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Army backs Jiang succession plan
By Willy Wo-Lap Lam
BEIJING, China (CNN) -- The Chinese army has vowed to support the political succession that is being choreographed by President Jiang Zemin. In an indication of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) growing involvement in internal politics, senior general Chi Haotian said at the 16th Communist Party Congress that the defense forces would "conscientiously safeguard a political situation of unity." General Chi pointed out over the weekend that at a time of rejuvenation of the leadership of party and government units, the PLA must "redouble efforts to safeguard stability, and resolutely uphold the authority of the central party authorities and the Central Military Commission." A key function of the congress is to endorse the passage of power to the Fourth Generation, or cadres around 60 years of age. Members of the so-called Jiang or Shanghai Faction are tipped to dominate new leadership bodies such as the Politburo and the Politburo Standing Committee. Political analysts in Beijing say Jiang, who is also chairman of the military commission, has relied heavily on the generals to ensure the continuation of his influence after semi-retirement at this congress. Generals expected to be promoted at this congress, most of whom are Jiang protégés, have also heaped praise on the president's now-famous Theory of the Three Represents. Thus Vice-Chief Political Commissar Xu Caihou said at the congress that the theory was "a guiding principle that our party must resolutely uphold over the long haul." The analysts say that in return for the generals' support, it is likely that the PLA will be given a bigger say in party and government affairs. For example, the generals are expected to at least maintain their disproportionately large share of positions on major units such as the party Central Committee and Politburo. At the 15th party congress in late 1997, PLA officers were awarded two positions on the Politburo and about 20 percent of the 190 seats on the Central Committee. Analysts say it is likely that the number of army personnel holding senior party posts such as Central Committee memberships may increase this time. One indication is that the proportion of members of the Congress Presidium who are senior military officers -- 22 out of 236 -- is larger than that in previous congresses. A Beijing-based PLA expert said as was the case five years ago, two generals will win positions on the Politburo. "However, since the Politburo membership will be cut, the PLA's representation will be larger than before," he said.
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