China reshuffles military headquarters

BEIJING -- China has reorganized its four military headquarters -- staff, politics, logistics and armaments -- into 15 new agencies under the Central Military Commission (CMC).

The new structure includes three commissions -- discipline inspection; politics and law; and science and technology -- as well as the general office and five more: administration, auditing, international cooperation, reform and organizational structure, and strategic planning. There are six new departments: joint staff, political work, logistical support, equipment development, training, and national defense.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the CMC, met with the new chiefs of each agency on Monday, when he described the reshuffle as "a breakthrough" and called the new leadership system "a crucial step" toward a stronger military.

Following the three principles of the absolute authority of the CMC, battle zone commands focused on combat, and each branch of the military service pursuing its own ends, the new structure will better advise and serve the CMC, while enforcing CMC orders.