On July 15, 2024, amidst a major cleanup in the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) military ranks, a military newspaper reported today that the correction of using titles such as “big brother” and “second brother” within the military has sparked online mockery.
The CCP military newspaper published an article today (15th) stating that Zhao Zhenyu, a soldier from the 80th Group Army, was called “Xiao Chi” informally, resulting in being called in for a discussion by an instructor.
According to reports, during the subsequent investigation, the instructor found that there were instances of irregular titles being used among a minority of officers and soldiers. Apart from using nicknames to address comrades, some soldiers also referred to senior soldiers as “big brother” or “certain brother,” and there were even instances where classmates sorted themselves and called each other “big brother” or “second brother.” The report mentioned that this gave the impression of being somewhat “gang-like.”
The report mentioned that the instructor questioned these titles as being “fraternal,” and the practice of calling others based on personal preferences is not acceptable. Subsequently, the instructor carried out internal rectification, demanding “correction of improper titles between officers and soldiers,” and others.
On an overseas platform X, some netizens mocked this practice within the CCP military, believing that the reports in the CCP military newspaper reflect the military’s fear of “warlordism,” impacting Xi Jinping’s authority:
No feet bird: “There can only be one ‘big brother.'”
Darong Wu: “Preventing warlordism within the CCP’s PLA!”
Winniepedia: “Accidentally exposing their bandit nature.”
Sleep: “If it can be issued, it’s definitely not a rare occurrence.”
@shotdownccp: “Only Xi Jinping can be called ‘big brother.'”
According to commentator Du Zheng’s analysis in “Shang Bao,” warlordism is a stubborn problem within the CCP military, which has existed since its establishment. There were conflicts between the Red First Front Army and the Red Fourth Front Army in the past, and during the Chinese Civil War, there were struggles among various major field armies. After the CCP came into power, military leaders formed factions based on regional origins, forming groups to vie for power and profit. Even in the era of Xi, there has been no real change. If someone from a province holds a high position, fellow officers from the same province would mutually ally and vie for higher positions, forming a norm.
Du Zheng stated that there are relatively more high-ranking military personnel from the Fujian faction, Shandong faction, Henan faction, and Shanxi faction within the CCP military, forming factions.
The CCP is currently holding its 20th Third Plenum, and there is currently unrest within the military. Authorities have just announced the expulsion of Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, former defense ministers, from the party and military ranks, and stripped them of their rank as generals. In addition, a large number of generals, including former Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao, have also been confirmed to have fallen from grace.