China elevates general who led military purge to Politburo as it tightens party discipline

Summary

China has elevated Zhang Shengmin, a general who led the purge of China's military, to the Communist Party's Politburo as the leadership moves to tighten party discipline and crack down on corruption. The move comes about a year before President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a fourth five-year term.

Timeline

1. NPR

   29 Oct 2026, 15:53 UTCSource ↗

   NPR reports that China has elevated a military general to the Politburo and seeks to strengthen party discipline, a move coming about a year before President Xi Jinping is expected to secure his fourth five-year term.

2. Financial Times

   29 Oct 2026, 16:10 UTCSource ↗

   The Financial Times reports that Xi Jinping has appointed Zhang Shengmin, the general who led the purge of China's military, to the Communist Party Politburo as it moves to tighten discipline and crack down on corruption.