ABSTRACT
Introduction As a player in Chinese politics, the military has always had a central role. Although this role has changed dramatically over the years, its importance has not. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has supported the paramount leader, participated in policy making, intervened in political struggles, ruled China’s regions, held the country together during terrible turmoil, and disengaged from political entanglement. Yet its impact on Chinese elite politics has remained opaque.
