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Xi Jinping shakes up China’s military leadership … what changes at the top mean for world’s biggest armed forces

President unveils smaller commission under his chairmanship, consolidating his control of world’s biggest armed forces

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A military parade celebrates the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army at the Zhurihe training base in Inner Mongolia in July. Photo: Xinhua
China’s Communist Party has appointed a new slimmed down Central Military Commission to oversee the nation’s armed forces.
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Analysts said the appointments further strengthened Xi’s control over the commission, which he heads.

The body will be led by a seven member group, down from the 11 who oversaw its operations previously.

The changes come as Xi has initiated a massive modernisation programme for the country’s military to make it a leaner and more efficient fighting force.

Here are the details of the changes and what it means for the world’s biggest armed forces.

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Who has been appointed to the commission?

The new line-up will comprise Xi, two vice-chairmen and four other members.

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