The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long upheld the principle that “the Party commands the gun.” However, reports suggest that the idea of “military nationalization” is once again circulating within China’s political and military circles.
One of the most vocal advocates is Liu Yuan, son of former CCP leader Liu Shaoqi, who argues that China’s fundamental problems stem from the military remaining a “party army” loyal to individuals rather than serving as a national defense force.
According to an independent commentator, at an expanded Politburo meeting in May, Liu Yuan called for reforms: abolishing the Central Military Commission (CMC) and creating a National Defense Commission under the state president, eliminating Party committees within the armed forces, and requiring soldiers to swear allegiance to the Constitution rather than to the Party.
Observers note that as Xi Jinping’s control over the military appears to weaken, Party and military media have stopped explicitly rejecting the notion of military nationalization.
{Editor’s Note: In light of widespread reports of factional infighting within the CCP, the push for “military nationalization” may be less about democratization and more about ensuring that the military does not align with any particular faction, or as a counter to the system of “(CCP) CMC Chairman responsibility (军委主席负责制)” imposed under Xi Jinping.}
Source: Epoch Times, September 13, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/9/12/n14593398.htm