News Analysis
China’s new top military command includes two generals known for their belligerent stance: a cyber war expert who has been sanctioned by the United States and a staunch Xi Jinping ally who planned live-fire exercises near Taiwan in August. Experts say the move signals the regime’s preparation to confront Taiwan—and by extension, the United States—by force.
Appointees to the Central Military Commission (CMC), which oversees China’s vast armed forces, were announced on Oct. 23, a day after the conclusion of the 20th congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Xi Jinping will remain as chairman of the seven-person commission, which he has headed since 2012. Zhang Youxia was reappointed as vice chairman, with He Weidong as second vice chairman. Members of the CMC will include Li Shangfu, Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin….