Background and Reasons
China has undergone major changes in top officials across the board, which is a critical moment for all intents and purposes. China This includes a reshuffle within the Chinese Communist Party and new appointments/retirements in the leadership. Recent reports say that the retirement of key economic advisor Liu He has opened up space for the formulation of China’s economic strategy.
China’s financial markets are preparing for reforms following new appointments and exclusions from the ruling committee. In 2023, China’s central bank governor Yi Gang warned that strong financial supervision is needed to prevent risks from spreading through the real estate market and local government lending.
From a political perspective, these changes highlight Chinese President Xi Jinping’s now established control of power and his vision for China’s future. Adjustments to the promotion system to favor loyalists further indicate that the CIA is now fully returning power to the country, as is the case with the promotion of Xi loyalist Ding Xuexiang to the Politburo Standing Committee.
Strategic Goals and Objectives
These personnel changes are related to China’s strategic goals and objectives. A major part of this plan is to become a global technological superpower by 2035. The appointments to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) are ready to promote the development of key technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, holographic computing, etc.
Historical and Future Perspectives
The recent personnel changes are no exception, foreshadowing a possible reorientation of China’s domestic and international policies. Some analysts speculate that these changes could lead China to take a more aggressive stance on global trade and geopolitics.
Investigation and Resolution Process
In China, high-level personnel investigations often begin with reports from lower-level officials or public complaints, as was the case with the CCDI’s investigation of former Chongqing Party Secretary Sun Zhengcai — an investigation that was triggered by an internal whistleblower reporting suspected misconduct to his superiors in 2022.
The protocols for these investigations, as well as the investigative process, are strict — the first phase of an investigation involves collecting early evidence and conducting covert surveillance operations. A summary of the CCDI’s 2023 report was released last year, and about 70% of its investigations begin with covert operations aimed at determining whether an allegation is true. Only after sufficient evidence is gathered do they formally raise questions.
As an all-encompassing entity, it is responsible for imposing penalties on party members and government officials. CCDI’s investigations led to the arrest of former Interpol President Meng Hongwei for corruption and abuse of power. These investigative reports lead to a detailed investigation by a committee that prepares comprehensive reports to the party leadership, which decides on further action.
Resolutions and consequences
The penalties can range from expulsion from the Chinese Communist Party to criminal penalties. In 2021, Lai Xiaomin, former chairman of Huarong Asset Management Co., was tried and executed for bribery, embezzlement, and bigamy.
Changes in governance and policy
The negative incentives of corruption and underreporting have increased the integrity of the political market. It has a stronger regulatory framework and public confidence in government institutions has increased due to the crackdown on high-level corruption. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that more than 75% of Chinese people believe that corruption has decreased.
Impact On The Military And Political Situation
China has made a corrective shake-up in its top personnel lineup, meaning General Wei Fenghe will retire in 2023 and be replaced by a younger defense minister, none other than newly promoted General Li Shangfu. Li’s appointment comes at a time of heightened tensions in the South China Sea and increasing military cooperation with Russia.
Under General Li’s command, the PLA has accelerated its pace in building advanced weapons and strengthening its cyber capabilities. In 2023, China will continue to invest heavily in military development, with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reporting a 7.5% increase in its defense budget to $252 billion.
The focus on those with a short or weak record of loyalty and those who lack a strong technical background and expertise has ushered in an era where you are subject to extreme scrutiny just to be emulated by others in today’s power-sharing authoritarian regime. Xi Jinping’s close ally General Xu Qiliang was recently promoted to vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, further consolidating his power over the military.
It has led to strong force projection and has enabled China to secure its interests in these disputed regions. In the Taiwan Strait, it has made it clear that they are fully prepared for any possible threat by conducting multiple naval exercises in 2023. These exercises, coupled with the launch of new aircraft carriers such as the Shandong, show that China is committed to projecting military power in important regional areas.
Implications for regional security calculations
The importance of this change in China’s military personnel to regional security dynamics is immeasurable. Neighboring countries and global powers are closely watching the developments. The United States has warned against further militarization of the Asia-Pacific region. The 2023 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies also highlighted the possibility that China’s military strength will trigger an arms race in the region, leading countries to strengthen their own defense capabilities.