Xi consolidates hold on PLA by appointing young officers

The latest round of appointments in a major military reshuffle has brought in younger officers, many of who <g data-gr-id="34">mare</g> in charge of political work, up to the level of deputy military command.

The reshuffle involved at least 16 officers who were almost all born between 1955 and 1959, with at least three born after 1960, Beijing Youth Daily quoted insiders as saying on Monday.

The appointments followed investigations into an unprecedented number of 40 <g data-gr-id="32">high ranking</g> military officials including two Vice Chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest body which controlled China 2.3 million strong <g data-gr-id="42">military</g>.

One of the newly promoted officers, Liu Zhenli, 51 is the former commander of the 38th Army, became the new chief of staff of China’s Armed Police Force and the youngest officer at his command level, the daily said.

The high-level changes included the army, navy, air force and military academies. Around 70 per cent of the officers involved are in charge of political work, the report said.

Since he took over power in 2013, Xi has launched a massive anti-corruption drive <g data-gr-id="37">specially</g> targeting powerful factions <g data-gr-id="38">with in</g> the ruling Communist Party of China(CPC) and the military which he heads.

Xi who as Vice President under previous Hu Jintao administration was a member of the CMC.

But since he took over, he has not appointed anyone to be part of the high power body, regarded as the source of power for any Chinese leader. The CMC promoted 10 senior military and armed police officers to general, the highest rank for officers in active service.

The promotions were announced on the eve of the 88th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army. Xi also heads a leading group pushing deepening reform of national defense and the military with a focus to win wars.