Chinese President Xi Jinping presided today over the creation of five new military regions, part of the streamlining of the 2.3 million-member People's Liberation Army while also signaling his firm control over the armed forces. The north, south, east, west and central regions replace the seven previous regions. The new districts are being touted as better suited to command joint operations.
Xi presided at a ceremony at the Defence Ministry in his capacity as head of the Communist Party and government commissions overseeing the military. Wearing a high-collared olive green jacket, he presented PLA flags to each of the new region's commanders and political commissars.
Reinforcing that the military is ultimately loyal to the party, rather than the Chinese state, Xi called on commanders to "unshakably listen to the party's command and hold fast to the party's absolute leadership over the armed forces."
Xi's overhaul aims to make the PLA more effective as a modern fighting force by transforming it from one structured around the ground forces to one of joint command in which the army, navy, air and missile forces all have equal representation.
Xi presided at a ceremony at the Defence Ministry in his capacity as head of the Communist Party and government commissions overseeing the military. Wearing a high-collared olive green jacket, he presented PLA flags to each of the new region's commanders and political commissars.
Reinforcing that the military is ultimately loyal to the party, rather than the Chinese state, Xi called on commanders to "unshakably listen to the party's command and hold fast to the party's absolute leadership over the armed forces."
Xi's overhaul aims to make the PLA more effective as a modern fighting force by transforming it from one structured around the ground forces to one of joint command in which the army, navy, air and missile forces all have equal representation.
