Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission
The Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission is the chief political organ under the Central Military Commission. It was created in January 2016 following the military reforms under CMC chairman Xi Jinping. Its predecessor was the General Political Department of the People's Liberation Army.
The department leads all political and cultural activities in the People's Liberation Army. Its deputy directors are Hou Hehua and Yu Guang.
The Political Work Department's Liaison Department controls a United Front organization called the China Association for International Friendly Contact that is active in overseas intelligence gathering and influence operations.
History
In November 2015 the General Political Department of the PLA was abolished and was replaced with the CMC Political Work Department as part of Chairman Xi Jinping's military reforms. Its role is to integrate the CCP and its ideology and propaganda into the People's Liberation Army. In January 2016, the Political Work Department became official.Organization
After the 2015 reforms and the winding down of cultural units in 2018, the PWD structure was as follows:Internal offices
- General Office
- Organization Bureau
- Cadres Bureau
- Enlisted and Civilian Personnel Bureau
- Civilian Personnel Bureau
- Propaganda Bureau
- Internet and Public Opinion Bureau
- Directly Subordinate Units Work Bureau
- Mass Work Bureau
- Liaison Bureau
- Retired Cadres Bureau