Shengmin To Be Most Powerful In China After Xi Jinping, Given 3 Important Responsibilities

New Delhi: Xi Jinping has appointed Zhang Shengmin, Vice Chief of the Chinese Military, as a member of the Politburo, the Communist Party's highest policy body. With Zhang Shengmin's appointment, Xi Jinping has departed from long-standing party tradition and established procedures. Members of the Communist Party's Politburo are typically elected at the Party Congress. The next Congress is scheduled for 2027, but Xi Jinping has already appointed Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo.

With this decision, Shengmin has become the most powerful officer in the Chinese military. Currently, Shengmin is the only general in China who holds the rank of Vice President and is a member of the Politburo. According to a report presented at the Central Committee meeting, five out of seven generals within the Chinese military have been removed in the past year.

Who is Zhang Shengmin is?

In 2025, Zhang Shengmin was appointed Vice Chief of the People's Army. Until now, he held the military's discipline department. Born in Shaanxi in February 1958, Zhang Shengmin joined the Chinese Army at the age of 20. Zhang's fortunes turned in 2010 when he led an earthquake team. Shengmin has been steadily promoted since Xi Jinping came to power in 2013. He is considered a close confidante of Xi Jinping. He appointed him head of the disciplinary committee to root out corruption in the Chinese military.

As chairman of the anti-corruption committee, Zhang terminated the employment of seven generals in the Chinese Army. Zhang Youxia, the vice-chairman of the Chinese Army, also lost his job due to Zhang's influence. Zhang was also elected to the 19th Central Committee of China this year.

67-year-old Zhang is currently the most powerful

In China's military, the President has been given the position of Chairman. Following this, the position of Vice Chairman has been created. Normally, there are two Vice Chairman positions, but currently, 67-year-old Zhang is the sole holder of this position. For the past six months, Zhang has held this position alone. This is not a common occurrence. Now, Xi Jinping has also appointed Zhang to the Politburo. This decision will increase his influence within the government and the party.