President Xi Jinping: Efforts to resolve conflicts between party and military leaders
This was what Mr. Xi mentioned at a meeting with senior officials of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The Chinese President emphasized that political loyalty to the party is the top priority of the country's military.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets senior military officials on August 19. Photo: Xinhua. |
China Central TelevisionCCTVOn August 19, footage aired showing that at a meeting between President Xi Jinping and senior officials of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Mr. Xi emphasized that the party's leadership in the military will be expanded and strongly strengthened.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and party leaders from various localities, departments and military academies. Mr. Xi affirmed that strengthening the party's leadership in the military will ensure the PLA "fulfills its tasks in the new era."
Mr Xi also said the anti-corruption campaign in the armed forces would continue, the military must be strong under the party's leadership and the PLA must adapt quickly to massive restructuring.
"We must persevere and make great efforts to resolve the problems, conflicts and shortcomings of the party leadership in the military. We must exercise tighter control over the military," the Chinese president said.
Tran Dao Ngan, a scientist at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, commented that Mr. Tap is emphasizing his own political power.
"The Chinese Communist Party's power is built on control of the military and propaganda. The meeting sends a message that Xi has firmly grasped power," Chen commented. "Xi is calling for iron discipline and is projecting a strong image."
The meeting came after Xi Jinping and members of the Politburo Standing Committee were absent from public view for more than two weeks, attending a closed-door meeting at the Beidaihe resort on China's northern coast. The Beidaihe meeting is one of the most important political events of the year, aimed at building consensus among top party leaders and is always held in secret.The current leaders, headed by Xi Jinping, faced retired "elders" to hear their views on the country's situation.
Observers say this year’s Beidaihe meeting is taking longer than usual. Some speculate that Xi may face heavy criticism for his handling of the trade war with the US and his unprecedented power consolidation measures. “With power concentrated in his hands, Xi bears the responsibility for all policy failures,” said Joseph Cheng, a professor at the University of Hong Kong.
