When a drunk and powerful general took on Chinese leadership for denying him promotion

Beijing, Aug.8 (ANI): During a holiday dinner for China's military leadership early this year, a powerful general lashed out drunk against what he believed was a backhanded move to keep him from being promoted to the military's top ruling body.

According to New York Times, President Hu Jintao, in Hong Kong in June, has been building a network of army loyalists.

The general, Zhang Qinsheng, vented his fury in front of President Jintao, according to four people with knowledge of the event.

At the banquet, he even shoved a commanding general making toasts; Hu walked out in disgust.

The general's tirade was one of a series of events this year that have fueled concerns among Communist Party leaders over the level of control they exercise over military officials, who are growing more outspoken and desire greater influence over policy and politics.

"Party authorities have come to realize that the military is encroaching on political affairs," said one political scientist with high-level party ties.

"Although the party controls the gun, the expression of viewpoints from within the military on political issues has aroused a high level of alarm," he added.

With China's once-a-decade leadership transition only months away, the party is pushing back with a highly visible campaign against disloyalty and corruption, even requiring all officers to report financial assets.

Hu has been building a network of army loyalists by promoting generals in waves.t least 45 officers have been promoted to full general by Hu since September 2004, when he became head of the military commission.

Just over half the promotions have taken place since July 2010. Four of the 45 are now among the 10 generals who sit on the commission.

The party's need to maintain stable rule over an increasingly vocal military is one reason Hu, its top civilian leader, is expected to hold on to his position as chairman of the Central Military Commission for up to two years after he gives up his party chief title in the fall, according to people briefed on political discussions. (ANI)