Who is the commander-in-chief of China's armed forces?

The commander-in-chief of China's armed forces is the Chair of the Central Military Commission. This role is crucial because the Central Military Commission holds the highest authority over the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which is the military of China. The Chair of this commission, typically a senior leader of the Chinese Communist Party, oversees military policy, operations, and strategic direction, making it a key position in the country’s defense structure.

While the President of China also plays a significant role in state affairs and is often considered the face of the nation internationally, it is the Chair of the Central Military Commission who directly commands the armed forces. The Prime Minister of China manages the state administration and is responsible for economic policies, while the Minister of Defense focuses more on military administration and logistics rather than direct command of the armed forces. Therefore, the role of Chair of the Central Military Commission is pivotal in ensuring military readiness and aligning it with the government’s broader strategic objectives.