The persecution has led to a backlash, resulting in a loss of power, and those in high positions are merely playing supporting roles. (Illustration by People News)
[People News] On July 18, the military network and military newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party reported a brief update stating that from July 16 to 17, the Xi Jinping Strong Army Thought Research Center hosted the ninth 'Strong Army Discussion' in Beijing. Leaders and experts from the Publicity Department of the Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and relevant military and local units participated in the seminar. This year's discussion centered on the theme 'Learning and Implementing Xi Jinping's Strong Army Thought, Advancing the Modernization of National Defense and the Military with High Quality,' and included in-depth discussions on topics such as deepening political training, accelerating the development of advanced combat capabilities, and promoting the modernization of military governance...
The final paragraph of the news highlighted that the 'Strong Army Discussion' was established under the guidance of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China and has been held for nine consecutive sessions to date.
In comparison to the report on the eighth 'Strong Army Discussion' held from October 23 to 24 last year, this year's report lacks details on the number of participants, which was 150 last year, and it also omits the mention of the 'two establishments.'
When compared to the reports from the previous seven sessions, an interesting observation arises: the organizers of the first seven sessions were the Chinese Military Academy, while the organizers for last year and this year are the 'Xi Jinping Strong Army Thought Research Center.'
The Chinese Communist Party Military Science Academy is a unit directly under the Central Military Commission. It was previously classified at the level of a military region but was downgraded to the level of a deputy theater following the military reforms in 2017. There has been no public news release regarding the establishment date of the 'Xi Jinping Strong Military Thought Research Center' or its affiliated department. However, existing articles titled 'Establishment of the Xi Jinping Strong Military Thought Research Center' suggest that it can be traced back to August 2018. The exact date of establishment remains unclear, but prior to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the 'Chairman Xi Strategic Thought Research Center' was inaugurated at the National Defense University, indicating a possible connection between the two.
Previous reports show that on November 1, 2018, the Military Science Academy, under the direction of the Military Commission, held the first 'Strong Military Discussion', which was attended by over 150 theoretical workers from military and civilian institutions and research organizations. The discussion lauded Xi's strong military thought as 'radiating the brilliant light of truth and infinite ideological charm' and asserted that 'we will unswervingly implement Xi Jinping's strong military thought throughout the entire process of national defense and military construction'. Clearly, the primary purpose of this discussion was to promote Xi's strong military thought.
From September 5 to 6, 2019, the second 'Strong Military Discussion' took place, focusing on 'in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping's strong military thought, with the theme centered on the historical achievements and insights from 70 years of national defense and military modernization'. More than 240 experts and scholars from over 70 military and civilian units participated in this discussion.
The third "Strong Army Discussion" took place on September 22, 2020, centered on the theme of "In-depth study and implementation of Chairman Xi's important discourse on military struggle preparation." Over 100 experts and scholars from various military and civilian units participated in the on-site seminar.
The fourth "Strong Army Discussion" was held on June 24, 2021, with the theme "Reflecting on the century-long journey of the Party, striving towards the centenary goal of building a strong military." This event saw participation from more than 150 experts and scholars from numerous military and civilian units.
The fifth "Strong Army Discussion" occurred from August 1 to 2, 2022. It gathered over 100 participants, including academicians, members of academic departments, and prominent scholars from military research institutions, party schools, and military enterprises, along with leaders and representatives from military commission agencies, theater commands, and military branches. They engaged in discussions at the main forum and three sub-forums. The news featured loyalty phrases such as "two four four two" and "implementing the responsibility system of the Chairman of the Military Commission," while also lauding Xi's strong military thought, which has reached new heights.
The sixth "Strong Army Discussion" was held from June 15 to 16, 2023. More than 400 participants, including leaders, experts, and scholars from military commission agencies, various theater commands, relevant departments of military branches, and military enterprises, as well as military and civilian educational and research institutions, took part in the discussion forum activities. The forum aimed to deeply study "Xi Thought," emphasizing the "study and implementation of Xi Jinping's strong military thought," among other topics.
On April 25, 2024, the New Era Political Military Building Theory Seminar and the 7th "Strong Army Discussion" took place in Beijing. Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the Director of the Political Work Department, who has already fallen from grace, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. In his remarks, Miao Hua lauded Xi, emphasizing the need to "further unify thoughts, unify will, and unify actions," and to more firmly support the 'two establishments' and achieve the 'two safeguards,' while fully and deeply implementing the responsibility system of the CMC chairman.
The downgrade of last year's discussion forum clearly reflects the CMC's attitude and the military's stance towards Xi. This suggests that Xi does not truly hold military power; otherwise, such a situation would not be permitted. This year, after Xi removed Zhang Youxia and seemingly regained some authority, the discussion forum was still held at a lower level. Does this imply that Xi still lacks full control over the military? Is he still struggling to navigate within military circles? Particularly as various signs indicate that a consensus has recently been reached in Zhongnanhai regarding the 'collective leadership system,' Xi's diminishing power should not be dismissed lightly.
(First published by People News) △
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