China Names New Second Highest-Ranking General After Military Purge

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Reuters

China has appointed a veteran anti-corruption official, Zhang Shengmin, as the country’s second highest-ranking general, following one of the largest military purges in decades. The announcement came at the conclusion of a four-day Central Committee meeting of the Chinese Communist Party, underscoring President Xi Jinping’s tightening grip over the military establishment.

Zhang, 67, has been serving as deputy secretary of the Central Military Commission’s anti-corruption arm and is widely regarded as a loyal ally of President Xi. His new position as second-ranked vice chairman of the Central Military Commission places him just below Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and President Xi himself, who serves as the commission’s head.

The appointment comes only days after nine senior generals were expelled from the army for alleged financial misconduct. While the Defense Ministry cited serious corruption offenses, political analysts believe the move also reflects Xi’s ongoing effort to consolidate power and eliminate potential dissent within the military.

Over the past few months, the Central Military Commission has intensified its anti-corruption campaign, issuing new directives in July that called for the removal of “toxic influences” and reinforced strict discipline across all military ranks. Similar actions in recent years have targeted several high-profile figures, including former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu.

Zhang’s promotion is seen as a continuation of this campaign to restore control and integrity within the armed forces. A veteran of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, he began his military career in 1978 and hails from Shaanxi province, a region closely associated with President Xi.

During the same Central Committee meeting, the Communist Party also approved a new five-year plan focused on technological self-reliance, green development, and defense modernization, signaling China’s strategic priorities amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Sanae Takaichi Becomes Japan’s First Female Prime Minister as Markets Surge

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: Robichon/EPA/Shutterstock

Japan has made history with the election of Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, marking a major political milestone and boosting investor confidence. Her victory coincided with a surge in Tokyo’s stock market, reflecting optimism about her incoming government’s economic and structural reform agenda.

Takaichi secured 237 votes in Japan’s 465-seat lower house on Tuesday after her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) struck a coalition deal with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). The new administration is expected to focus on increasing defence spending, implementing selective tax cuts, and exploring the restart of Japan’s nuclear power plants, most of which have remained inactive since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.

The Nikkei 225 closed 0.3 per cent higher, having climbed as much as 1.5 per cent during trading to near 50,000 points, its highest level in decades. Analysts said investor enthusiasm, dubbed the “Takaichi trade,” reflects hopes for a stable government capable of delivering economic reform and growth.

A former television presenter and long-time admirer of Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi is reportedly considering appointing Satsuki Katayama as Japan’s first female finance minister. Her cabinet is also expected to include a record number of women, reinforcing her commitment to advancing gender equality in leadership.

The coalition between the LDP and the reformist JIP replaces the LDP’s long-standing partnership with the Komeito party, which had often slowed major policy initiatives. Political observers expect the new alliance to push forward with pro-growth strategies, including defence expansion and energy sector reforms.

Market strategists said foreign investor interest in Japan remains strong, with projections for the Nikkei 225 to reach new record highs by year-end. Takaichi’s leadership, combining political continuity with reformist momentum, is seen as a pivotal turning point for Japan’s economy and society.

US States Warn Food Aid Benefits Could Halt if Federal Shutdown Continues

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: REUTERS/Mark Makela

Several U.S. states have warned that food assistance benefits may stop as the federal government shutdown drags on, raising concerns for millions of vulnerable Americans who rely on these programs. Officials say that if the stalemate in Washington continues into November, critical benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could be disrupted.

At least two dozen states have already posted alerts, saying they cannot guarantee benefits for November without renewed federal funding. Texas officials have warned that SNAP payments scheduled for early November will not be distributed if the shutdown persists beyond the end of October. Other states are issuing similar notices, urging families to prepare for possible delays or interruptions.

The United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees both programs, has reportedly provided limited guidance to state agencies. While the department maintains a small emergency fund, it covers only a fraction of the monthly cost of SNAP nationwide, leaving states with few options to fill the gap if federal operations remain stalled.

Food banks and community aid groups are bracing for a surge in demand. Many organizations report that they are already stretched thin by higher food prices and increased requests for assistance. Experts warn that a prolonged shutdown could trigger a ripple effect, deepening food insecurity and forcing low-income families to make difficult choices between food, housing, and healthcare.

Without immediate action from Congress, millions of households could face a halt in their monthly food benefits. State officials are urging lawmakers to resolve the budget impasse swiftly to prevent what could become one of the most significant disruptions to federal nutrition programs in recent history.