Strongman Politics and the Military: Xi Jinping and Party-Military Relations in China

Abstract

This study examines how CCP-PLA relations have evolved in the Xi Jinping era. It explores how the norms and institutions governing the party-military relations have enabled and constrained Xi to consolidate personal power and authority in the military. Specifically, this study focuses on military reforms initiated and implemented under Xi’s strong leadership, evaluating the extent to which the reform efforts have delivered the initial goal of enhancing the PLA’s operational capability and reinforcing the military’s political loyalty. This study argues that Xi’s increased personal power in the military has somewhat compromised the Party’s control of the military and, over the long-term, may have negative implications for China’s warfighting capability.