China’s Military Shake-Up: General Joins Politburo Ahead of Xi’s Expected Fourth Term

China has promoted a military general to the Politburo, the country’s top decision-making body. The move comes about a year before President Xi Jinping is expected to secure a fourth five-year term. The promotion signals a push to strengthen party discipline within the armed forces. It also places a military figure in the Politburo, a position that carries significant political influence. Beijing has not publicly explained the timing of the appointment. The change is widely seen as part of broader efforts to tighten control over the military and ensure loyalty to the party leadership.