Central Military Commission

The Central Military Commission (CMC) is the highest national defense organization in China, effectively the top decision-making body overseeing the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Chaired by President Xi Jinping, the CMC controls and commands the armed forces. Recent news highlights a period of intense scrutiny and upheaval within the CMC, driven by Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign and a push for absolute loyalty to the Communist Party. This has resulted in the removal of numerous high-ranking military officers, including members of the CMC itself, and the sidelining of around 100 senior officers since 2022. The shakeup raises questions about the PLA's capabilities and stability. The CMC's relevance is underscored by China's increasing military modernization, its assertive foreign policy, and the integration of commercial technologies into military systems, including space technology and cybersecurity. The CIA is reportedly attempting to capitalize on the discord by recruiting informants within the Chinese military.