Xi reminds the People's Liberation Army that his is the absolute authority

The two top officers in command of China‘s nuclear forces have both been replaced without explanation. The respective political commissar and operational commander of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, the two men held key military positions.

Their summary dismissals are yet another indication of Xi Jinping‘s desperation, sometimes paranoid, to ensure the PLA’s unquestioned loyalty to his person. An article in the official PLA newspaper emphasized as much on Wednesday. With propaganda posters attached, the PLA Daily explained why “The Party’s absolute leadership over the Army is the foundation of the People’s Army and the soul of a strong army.”