Liu Zhenli

Mixed signals remain in US-China relations even after Xi-Biden meeting

In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look to the future of the US-China relationship following the meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in November.

14 Feb 2024 - 2:45PMvideocam

PLA watches as US warship sails through Taiwan Strait in ‘provocative’ move

Destroyer’s transit shows United States’ commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, Seventh Fleet commander says, while People’s Liberation Army spokesman accuses US military of ‘maliciously’ undermining peace and stability in the region.

25 Jan 2024 - 3:53PMvideocam

Taiwan election 2024

Fallout from Taiwan elections may ‘heighten risk of US-China missteps’

If Beijing steps up the pressure on Taiwan following a DPP win, it may heighten calls for a tougher US response, a mainland academic warns.

5 Jan 2024 - 6:00AMvideocam

China names Dong Jun as new defence minister to replace ousted Li Shangfu

Dong Jun was previously head of the People’s Liberation Army Navy and is not on any US sanctions list – unlike his predecessor.

29 Dec 2023 - 9:52PMvideocam

Former PLA Navy head Dong Jun has been named as China’s new defence minister. Photo: PLA Navy

China’s PLA hails ‘constructive’ US talks, but hits out at Pentagon budget

A spokesman for the Chinese military says last week’s talks between senior commanders were a ‘step towards the resumption of military dialogue’.

28 Dec 2023 - 9:35PM

Taiwan election 2024

Taiwan’s presidential election risks war, ex-Beijing official says

‘One thing is certain: Taiwan independence means war, and insisting on Taiwan independence’ will lead to war sooner or later,’ says Wang Zaixi, former deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office.

25 Dec 2023 - 9:45PMvideocam

Ice-breaking direct US-China military talks a ‘good step’ but disputes remain

Discussions will not resolve ‘hardcore’ geopolitical issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea but could help avoid crisis, experts say

22 Dec 2023 - 10:05PMvideocam

Chinese General Liu Zhenli spoke by video link with Charles ‘CQ’ Brown, the US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Thursday. Photo: Handout

US, China militaries talk for first time in over a year

The video call between General CQ Brown and General Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the US and China since August 2022.

22 Dec 2023 - 5:43AMvideocam

Air Force Chief of Staff General CQ Brown spoke with China’s General Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the US and China since August 2022. Photo: AP

Asean

South China Sea skirmishes loom over Asean defence ministers’ meeting

Asean defence ministers to meet in Jakarta to discuss regional challenges, including the rising tensions over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines.

14 Nov 2023 - 8:06PMvideocam

Opinion | US-China thaw raises hopes for military dialogue breakthrough

Top-level US-China military communication was halted after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last year. But there are now signs of a breakthrough, with concrete action towards renewed defence relations.

13 Nov 2023 - 5:30AMvideocam

Explainer | Why the role of Chinese defence minister isn’t exactly what it sounds like

China’s first few defence ministers enjoyed more influence and much higher profiles.

25 Oct 2023 - 9:45PMvideocam

Li Shangfu (right), who was stripped of his role as defence minister and his membership in the Central Military Commission, was the fourth highest ranking member in the seven-seat body, behind President Xi Jinping and the commission’s deputy chairman, Zhang Youxia. Photo: Pool via Reuters

Did China’s top general signal a restart in Beijing’s military diplomacy?

Zhang Youxia, China’s most senior military officer, met Serbia’s defence chief in a sign that the country’s military diplomacy could be normalising.

19 Oct 2023 - 6:46PMvideocam

China’s Central Military Commission’s first vice-chairman, General Zhang Youxia (right), meets Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Milos Vucevic on Tuesday in Beijing. Photo: Handout

Chinese general to step in for missing defence minister at security forum

Veteran of Chinese-Vietnamese war General Liu Zhenli will be face of the PLA in meetings with US representatives following unexplained disappearance of minister Li Shangfu, say sources.

13 Oct 2023 - 10:32PMvideocam

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu not at meeting, continuing public absence

Li, one of three officials who do not attend a meeting of the Central Military Commission, has not been seen since August 29, when he spoke at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing.

16 Sep 2023 - 7:42PMvideocam

Russian navy chief’s visit to China shows stronger military ties: analyst

Nikolai Yevmenov this week discussed naval cooperation with China’s defence minister, met commander of the PLA Navy and viewed China’s latest ships.

8 Jul 2023 - 12:00PMvideocam

Chinese and Russian armed forces agree to hold more joint drills

Senior military officers agree to exercises just days after aircraft conduct patrols near South Korea.

9 Jun 2023 - 9:30PMvideocam

Two Sessions 2023

Li Qiang is China’s new premier, but how much power will he wield?

Li Qiang was confirmed as China’s premier – its No 2 official – on Saturday during the ‘two sessions’, but the position is seen to hold diminishing authority as President Xi Jinping consolidates power.

14 Mar 2023 - 9:45AMvideocam

China names new chief of PLA theatre command that guards Beijing

Huang Ming was also promoted to the rank of general at a ceremony in Beijing.

19 Jan 2023 - 9:00PM

General Huang Ming is the new commander of the PLA’s Central Theatre Command. Photo: Handout

China promotes General Li Qiaoming to commander of PLA ground force

The 61-year-old is one of China’s youngest top generals and steps into new role after overseeing strategically important Northern Theatre Command.

4 Jan 2023 - 5:43PM

General Li Qiaoming joined the People’s Liberation Army at age 15. Photo: Weibo

Taiwan

Opinion | What China’s military leadership line-up says about Xi’s plans for Taiwan

Xi’s appointees to China’s top military decision-making and command body boast combat experience and Taiwan expertise. While this doesn’t necessarily portend a confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, it does point to a more military-focused approach to the Taiwan issue.

12 Nov 2022 - 8:30AMvideocam

Taiwan braces for tougher PLA after Central Military Commission reshaped

Chiu Kuo-cheng tells island lawmakers new CMC has younger members who are more familiar with Taiwan and have combat experience.

24 Oct 2022 - 7:24PMvideocam

China’s reshuffled military leadership highlights Taiwan focus

New Central Military Commission line-up gives clues on the People’s Liberation Army’s priorities in the next five years.

24 Oct 2022 - 3:39PMvideocam

Members of the People’s Liberation Army band sit during the opening session of the Communist Party’s national congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 16. Photo: AFP

Xi ‘sworn brother’ Zhang Youxia, 72, set for bigger PLA command role

Names of three PLA generals over 68 missing from Central Committee roster, but exception made for Zhang Youxia.

23 Oct 2022 - 6:00AMvideocam

Then newly elected vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission, Xu Qiliang (foreground) and Zhang Youxia (third left) with CMC members (from left) Zhang Shengmin, Li Zuocheng, Wei Fenghe and Miao Hua swear an oath on the constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in March 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE

China’s youngest top general poised to fill key PLA strategy job

Liu Zhenli has been tipped to head China’s Joint Staff Department, according to a source close to the military and video clues from state broadcaster CCTV.

13 Oct 2022 - 8:32PMvideocam