What a seating chart might reveal about the future of China’s military leadership

Lieutenant General Zhu Chuansheng, deputy chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission, was also seated in the same row, though his seating position suggested a lower rank than the others. PLA anti-corruption chief General Zhang Shengmin, who was promoted to vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission in October, was also present at the event, which was attended by top incumbent and retired officials from various sectors. He was seated near Xi, ahead of the other five generals. Seating arrangements at major Chinese events follow strict protocols, generally determined by rank and seniority. The closer…