Loyalty in Uniform: When China’s Past Becomes Its Present

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is often regarded as a symbol of Chinese military power, but its values are rooted in more than just strategic interests or technological advancements. A recent article by CMC vice-chair Zhang Shengmin highlights the importance of loyalty within the PLA’s ranks and how this principle has been championed by one of China’s most influential leaders: Jiang Zemin.

Zhang’s invocation of Jiang’s legacy is significant because it echoes a long-standing concern within China’s highest echelons. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1989, the global landscape shifted dramatically, leaving China at the forefront of ideological battles. The PLA’s allegiance to the Communist Party was crucial during this period, as Beijing sought to maintain its grip on power.

The anxiety about losing control over the PLA dates back to Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in the early 1980s. As China began to open up to the world, there were whispers of Western influence seeping into the military’s ranks. The Communist Party viewed its absolute leadership as sacrosanct; any erosion of this authority would be seen as an existential threat.

Jiang Zemin’s tenure saw a concerted effort to reinforce party control over the PLA. He launched extensive education campaigns aimed at instilling loyalty within the military, weeding out “harmful tendencies” and reaffirming the party’s grip on power. This was not merely about ideological purity; it was also about ensuring that the PLA remained a reliable instrument of state policy.

Today, Zhang Shengmin’s remarks serve as a reminder that China’s past continues to shape its present. The PLA remains an institution deeply ingrained in Chinese society, with loyalty expected from its members above all else. This expectation speaks not only to internal discipline but also to the PLA’s role as a symbol of national strength.

The implications are far-reaching: what does this say about China’s approach to military modernization? With a focus on domestic security and regional assertiveness, is Beijing prioritizing loyalty over technical advancements or strategic flexibility? Can future generations of Chinese leaders double down on Jiang’s legacy, or will they seek to adapt to changing global circumstances?

These questions underscore the complexities of China’s internal dynamics. Foreign observers often fixate on the PLA’s military prowess, but its cultural and ideological underpinnings offer a window into Beijing’s strategic thinking. The PLA may be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield, but it is also an institution deeply embedded in Chinese politics.

As we continue to monitor China’s ascent as a global power, we must remain attuned to the subtle shifts within its military culture – for they offer a telling glimpse into the country’s future trajectory. The legacy of Jiang Zemin may be fading from public memory, but its impact on China’s military landscape remains palpable. As Beijing looks to redefine its place in the world, it will be interesting to see whether loyalty continues to serve as the PLA’s guiding principle – and what this might mean for regional security and global politics.