China's Xi calls for military loyalty to new constitution
A day after he won the mandate to rule for life, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China's military to follow the country's newly-amended constitution in which his political thought is now enshrined.
Xi told military officials: ‘The whole army must strengthen its constitutional awareness, promote the constitutional spirit and be a loyal admirer, conscientious follower and staunch defender of the constitution.’
China's rubber-stamp parliament on 11 March endorsed Xi's move to abolish rules limiting heads of state to 10 years in power.
The amendment also added the leader's eponymous political philosophy into the constitution: ‘Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.’
It was the first constitutional amendment in 14 years and reversed the era of ‘collective leadership’ and orderly succession that was promoted by late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping.
Xi, who is also head of the military, was speaking during a meeting of the People's Liberation Army and armed police at the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress.
Unlike most countries, China's armed forces are permanently under the control of the ruling Communist Party, rather than the state.
Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has presided over sweeping reforms intended to transform the country's military from a rusty Soviet-era relic into a modern fighting force.
In his speech, he referred to the ‘revolutionary restructuring’ of the military's organisational structure in recent years.
The changes have included the replacement of top military brass with Xi loyalists and the sacking of top generals for corruption.
Former Chief of Joint Staff Fang Fenghui is facing prosecution for bribery, state media reports said in January. Former Central Military Commission Vice-Chairman Guo Boxiong was jailed for life in 2016.
Earlier in 2018, the party took control of China's paramilitary force, a move analysts said could have arisen from anxiety over the potential use of the police to stage a coup.
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
