The Chinese military is not like traditional armies accused of defending national sovereignty and is instead tasked with supporting the Chinese Communist Party, according to a new U.S. military assessment. Under the Chinese legal system, the leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have overall command of the military through the Central Military Committee, headed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Mr. Shai has expanded the role of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Chinese political system beyond preserving territorial sovereignty and maintaining internal control. “At its core, the PLA sees itself as an armed CCP arm,” concludes the report...