President Hu Jintao, in Hong Kong in June, has been building a network of army loyalists. Bobby Yip/Reuters
Party Bristles At Military’s Push For More Sway In China -- New York Times
BEIJING — During a holiday banquet for China’s military leadership early this year, a powerful general lashed out in a drunken rage against what he believed was a backhanded move to keep him from being promoted to the military’s top ruling body.
The general, Zhang Qinsheng, vented his fury in front of President Hu Jintao, according to four people with knowledge of the event. At the banquet, he even shoved a commanding general making toasts; Mr. Hu walked out in disgust.
The general’s tirade was one of a series of events this year that have fueled concerns among Communist Party leaders over the level of control they exercise over military officials, who are growing more outspoken and desire greater influence over policy and politics.
Read more ....
Update #1: Military rise seen in leadership change -- UPI
Update #2: When a drunk and powerful general took on Chinese leadership for denying him promotion -- News Track India
My Comment: This power play move by the military is unprecedented. I have been a China watcher since the early 1980s .... living there in 1988-1989 .... and I am surprised to read these reports. China is going through a leadership transition .... I guess some of those contending for key positions are getting nervous.
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