The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has signaled a new chapter in its public relations strategy with the debut of Senior Colonel Chen Xi as the tenth spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense. Appearing at a press briefing on June 16, Chen marks a significant departure from his predecessors as the first official to rise entirely from within the ministry’s dedicated press office. This promotion suggests an institutional shift toward specialized, long-term talent in military diplomacy.
Born in 1983 and a graduate of the former PLA International Relations Academy, Chen’s appointment restores the ministry’s press team to its traditional three-person rotation. He joins fellow spokesmen Zhang Xiaogang and Jiang Bin at a time when Beijing is increasingly focused on shaping the global narrative surrounding its military modernization and regional posture. His elevation to the podium is the culmination of a career path specifically groomed for the international media spotlight.
What distinguishes Chen is his thirteen-year apprenticeship within the defense ministry’s information bureaucracy, having joined the press office in 2013. While previous spokespeople typically arrived with broader operational or staff experience before a short stint at the podium, Chen’s promotion reflects a growing institutional desire for specialized communicators. These officials are expected to understand the nuances of global journalism as well as the rigidity of military policy.
The Ministry of National Defense established its formal spokesperson system in 2008, followed by the introduction of monthly briefings in 2011. This evolution mirrors China’s broader strategic shift toward "great power diplomacy," where the ability to articulate defense policy to international audiences is viewed as a critical component of national power. The ministry seeks to project an image of an opening, more transparent military through these highly managed interactions.
Chen’s former colleagues describe him as a product of a period of rapid development in the PLA's news dissemination capabilities. His rise from an entry-level staffer to the face of the Chinese military underscores a professionalization of the cadre responsible for the military's "discursive power." As China faces heightened scrutiny over its activities in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the role of these spokespeople has become more vital than ever.