Zhang Shengmin joins China's Politburo as Xi tightens party grip

Chinese Communist Party leaders promoted Gen. Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo on Thursday, restoring military representation to the party's top governing body. Zhang serves as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, the group that oversees the nation's armed forces.

The promotion occurred during a four-day closed-door meeting in Bangkok. Party officials adopted a resolution focused on strengthening internal discipline, self-governance, and anti-corruption efforts. These moves align with a push to solidify control ahead of the upcoming leadership transition.

Zhang is the only general left on the Central Military Commission after President Xi Jinping removed two other top generals in previous purges. His elevation ends a period where no members of the People's Liberation Army held seats on the Politburo. Zhang also serves as deputy secretary of the CMC Commission for Discipline Inspection, a role that oversees internal military discipline.

The party stated that its tasks are "increasingly arduous," citing the need to unite the people to protect national sovereignty and development interests. A summary of the resolution distributed by the Xinhua News Agency emphasized the need to maintain "close, flesh-and-blood ties with the people" while rooting out corruption.

Xi has led an anti-corruption campaign since assuming power in 2012. Analysts note the current push now targets underperforming officials in addition to those accused of corruption. The plenum confirmed the earlier removal of several high-ranking military and party members.

Neil Thomas, a senior fellow at Asia Policy, described the purges as wider than expected. He calculated an attendance rate of 74 percent for the meeting, the lowest level recorded since the era of former leader Mao Zedong. Xi is widely expected to secure a fourth five-year term as party leader in the coming year.