Politics Watch: Decoding the Convening of Enlarged Military Meetings
◎ Xi is likely seeking to strengthen his control over the military in a crucial period.
MILITARY
Five Points on Former Top Political Commissar Zhang Yang’s Suicide
◎ Fang Fenghui and Zhang Yang were both considered favorite candidates for the CMC vice chair spots at the 19th Party Congress until their sudden vanishment at the end of August.
After Snubbing Xi, North Korea Fires New Missile
◎ We wrote earlier that Kim may be rejecting Xi’s authority and is still in alliance with the Jiang Zemin faction.
CMC Major General and Secretary of Ex-General Armament Department Chief Reportedly Probed
◎ Ren Shaolong, the deputy director of the Central Military Commission’s (CMC) Office for Strategic Planning, was reportedly taken away secretly and investigated.
How the PLA Can Pose a Threat to the US
◎ A modernized PLA utilizing asymmetrical hybrid warfare tactics will pose a credible threat to America.
China’s CMC Cracks the Whip on Military Training Standards
◎ The CMC is looking to intimidate potential opposition elements in the military.
Chinese Officials Promoting Xi’s Authority a Prelude to Anti-corruption Storm
◎ We anticipate that many officials, including those considered to be untouchable, are going to be purged over the course of Xi’s second term in office.
Xi Tightens Military Discipline After 19th Congress
◎ Xi Jinping’s strict regulation of senior military cadres represents a rejection of Jiang era practices.
Why US and China Simultaneously Held Military Exercises
◎ The U.S. drills are likely aimed at sending a message to North Korea.
China’s Military to Roll Out Civilian Service Modeled After the US
◎ The current PLA civilian service is modeled after the United States military’s civilian service.