China elevates key military official as expulsions remove 'hidden dangers'

Fifth plenum concludes with pledge to implement 'Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building' Zhang Shengmin, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, salutes President Xi Jinping inside the Great Hall of the People during the "Two Sessions" in Beijing in March. © Reuters SHANGHAI/TOKYO -- The Chinese Communist Party on Thursday elevated a top military official to its elite Politburo while formalizing expulsions of dozens of senior members, concluding a four-day meeting during which leaders vowed to advance President Xi Jinping's vision of building a strong party.