Xi Jinping Promotes Zhang Shengmin to Communist Party Politburo

Xi Jinping promoted Zhang Shengmin to the Communist Party's elite Politburo last week as part of an effort to rebuild China's military leadership. This move represents the first elevation to the Politburo outside of a party congress in three decades.

Zhang previously led a wide-ranging corruption crackdown that resulted in the removal of numerous generals. His authority within the military establishment was cemented earlier this year when he became the only official remaining on the Central Military Commission besides the president.