After Xi Purges China’s Generals, a Military Inquisitor Rises

The rise of Zhang Shengmin suggests that China’s top brass remains embroiled in investigations, potentially complicating preparations for war over Taiwan. When China’s leader, Xi Jinping, endorsed the expulsion of dozens of disgraced officials at a recent Communist Party meeting in Beijing, one man stood out as a clear winner. Taking his new place at the front of the meeting was Gen. Zhang Shengmin, the somber-faced enforcer of Mr.

Xi’s purges inside the military. He had been promoted to the Politburo, the party’s top leadership council, the latest step in his improbable rise from low-profile inspector to a position second only to Mr. Xi in China’s military hierarchy. General Zhang has been the principal overseer of Mr.

Xi’s campaign to purify the People’s Liberation Army. His latest elevation signaled that the investigations, indoctrination drives and loyalty tests could continue for years, as Mr. Xi searches for officers he believes are irreproachably loyal, experts and officials said.