16 June 2026

Signs of Passivity Emerge Among Senior Officers

Jamestown  |  K. Tristan Tang

Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin chaired a special meeting on May 27, addressing perceived passivity among senior People’s Liberation Army (PLA) officers in advancing military development and war preparation. This gathering, focused on “deepening the equipping [of the armed forces] with Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military,” included operational commanders, signaling concerns beyond routine ideological study.

The author suggests this inaction may stem from officers' unfamiliarity with new portfolios following sudden personnel changes, or potentially subtle resistance to General Secretary Xi Jinping’s politicized directives. Zhang Shengmin, as the sole military member of the CMC, bears significant responsibility for resolving this issue. He is under pressure to ensure senior leaders translate loyalty into “practical actions,” warning that continued passivity could become a political problem. The situation compels officers to proactively demonstrate loyalty, risking career stagnation or purges if they fail to comply with Xi's demands for concrete action.

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