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| J-20 Stealth Fighter |
By Oriana Skylar Mastro and Michael S. Chase
While the United States is in the 11thhour of its presidential election, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been making some significant changes of its own. Recently, the Party leadership promoted Army General Fan Changlong and former commander of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF), General Xu Qiliang, to serve as vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the powerful Party body that controls China’s armed forces. Gens. Fan and Xu join the only civilian vice-chairman, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who as China’s heir apparent is expected to replace Hu Jintao as Party General Secretary at this month’s Party Congress and as President early next year. However, Xi may have to wait to take over leadership of the CMC if Hu, CMC Chairman since 2004, follows his predecessors’ example and maintains control of that body even after relinquishing his other positions.
Like the broader Party leadership transition that is now underway, the generational turnover in the PLA’s leadership has long been anticipated; Xu’s appointment in particular was expected, especially after Gen. Ma Xiaotian was named as commander of the Chinese Air Force last week, replacing Xu. Although widely expected, Xu’s appointment could be particularly significant for two reasons. First, Xu is widely known for his strong advocacy of air and space power, and some have suggested the promotion could enable Xu to realize his vision of a more modern and capable PLAAF, one that more closely resembles the world’s most powerful and technologically advanced air forces in terms of its missions and capabilities. Second, most Vice Chairmen of the CMC have been ground force officers, reflecting the traditional dominance of the army. Xu’s promotion could thus be seen as reflecting a growing emphasis on joint operations and perhaps greater influence for the PLAAF.
Read the full story at The Diplomat