China’s leader Xi Jinping faces questions about his grip on the military as a massive purge sweeps through the top ranks of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Just days ago, the defence ministry announced investigations into General Zhang Youxia, the vice chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC) China’s highest military body and General Liu Zhenli, head of joint staff operations. Both face charges of “grave violations of discipline and law,” with no specifics given. Zhang, once seen as Xi’s trusted confidant due to their fathers shared revolutionary history, stayed in power past retirement age. Now, he’s out, leaving the CMC with just Xi and one other member. This caps a stunning six-month run where at least 11 top commanders fell, including nine in October 2025 alone. While called an anti-corruption push, some wonder if Xi is quietly removing anyone who might challenge his rule.
This isn’t new, Xi’s campaign since 2012 has punished over a million officials and at least 17 PLA generals, including eight ex-CMC members. Five of the six uniformed leaders Xi picked for the CMC in 2022 are now gone, leaving huge gaps. Experts like Christopher K. Johnson, a former CIA analyst, call it the “total annihilation” of the high command. Xi seems to believe corruption runs so deep that even his inner circle can’t fix it, so he’s digging for younger, untainted officers. Zhang Youxia, 75 and Liu Zhenli, 61, bring rare combat experience from 1970s fights with Vietnam, yet they tumbled too. Rumours swirl of issues like nuclear leaks, family graft, or unreported problems hints that loyalty tests matter more than battlefield skills. The PLA Daily stresses “party loyalty” above all warning of a “total collapse of beliefs” from corruption.
The fallout hits key units hard, fuelling talk of deeper rifts. Many purged officers link to the Western Theatre Command, overseeing the tense India border like expelled General He Weidong, its former ground forces head and possibly Wang Haijiang. Others tie to the Eastern Theatre’s old 31st Group Army (now 73rd), near Fujian and Taiwan-focused, where seven of nine October dismissals came from a supposed “crony network” of He Weidong, Miao Hua, and Lin Xiangyang. Rocket Force and Navy leaders also vanished over procurement scandals. Since 2023, over 20 seniors have been booted, including ex-Defense Ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe for bribes plus disloyalty. Analysts say this shows factional fights, like Xi’s Shaanxi roots clashing with others, turning the PLA brittle.
Soldiers’ spirits sink lower each day as uncertainty grips the ranks. Ordinary troops feel shaken when their commanders vanish without warning, left wondering who might be targeted next. Empty leadership posts stall promotions and halt essential training, grinding daily operations to a standstill. Experts warn these gaps slow preparations for tensions around Taiwan or the South China Sea. Neil Thomas (Senior fellow for Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute) notes immediate threats look weaker from all the chaos at the top, even if a more devoted force could rise in time. CNA analysis shows common soldiers’ morale crumbling, as energy shifts from battle drills to endless loyalty sessions.
Xi’s steps strengthen his personal control but lay bare deep weaknesses in the army. The CMC could run with few staff until the 2027 party meeting, with little push to add people, unless Xi needs to check the power of Zhang Shengmin, the last remaining member. Experts point out that these cleanups seem fuelled more by worry and doubt than true skill-building, breaking apart the teamwork in a force meant to get stronger and renewed. With China pushing hard on Taiwan as the U.S. boosts weapon sales and drills, the world sees signs that the PLA might end up weaker and shakier, not tougher.
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