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In a rare public address, Chinese President Xi Jinping has alluded to the recent ousting of key military figures, notably General Zhang Youxia, previously viewed as one of his closest allies in the armed forces. During a virtual speech delivered on Tuesday, Xi described the past year as “unusual and extraordinary,” asserting that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone significant transformations in its ongoing battle against corruption. This statement marks Xi’s first mention of corruption in his annual greetings to the PLA since 2022, highlighting the ongoing significance of these purges within the Communist Party.
Military Leadership Shake-Up
General Zhang Youxia, who served as the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was dismissed from his position in January, accused of “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrase often employed to signify corruption. Alongside Zhang, another senior officer, General Liu Zhenli, also faced removal, further signalling a shake-up in military leadership. These changes are part of a broader initiative that has seen numerous high-ranking officers targeted in a campaign that critics argue is as much about consolidating power as it is about tackling corruption.
Since Xi’s ascendance to power, the anti-corruption campaign has resulted in the investigation or dismissal of 14 full-rank generals over the past three years. The latest purges have drastically reduced the CMC, leaving just two members, including Xi himself. This dramatic downsizing raises concerns about the military’s operational capacity and its readiness for potential conflicts.
A Message to the Party
In his address, Xi asserted that the PLA has effectively managed “various risks and challenges” and that many military personnel have undergone “in-depth political rectification.” He maintained that PLA troops remain steadfastly loyal to the Communist Party, claiming they have proven themselves to be capable and reliable. Such statements are likely intended to reassure both the military and the Party hierarchy of a coherent strategy amidst the upheaval.
Commentators have noted the unusual nature of Xi’s remarks, given his tendency to eschew press conferences and interviews, even from state media. This address signals a necessity for Xi to communicate a sense of order and purpose, especially as the recent purges might challenge the military’s immediate operational effectiveness.
The Broader Context of Corruption
Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has been framed as a critical effort to combat what he describes as the “biggest threat” to the Communist Party. He has characterised the battle against corruption as “grave and complex,” indicating that the stakes are high not only for individual officers but for the Party’s legitimacy itself. Scholars, such as Professor Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore, suggest that the language surrounding these purges lacks transparency regarding the true motivations—be they corruption, political infighting, or other factors. The intent appears to be as much about signalling the consequences of straying from Xi’s preferences as it is about addressing genuine misconduct.
Why it Matters
The implications of Xi Jinping’s remarks and the ongoing military purges extend beyond the immediate realm of political manoeuvring. These developments raise critical questions regarding the future of military efficacy in China, the stability of Xi’s regime, and the potential for internal dissent within the ranks of the Party. As the anti-corruption campaign continues, it underscores the delicate balance Xi must maintain between rooting out corruption and ensuring the loyalty and effectiveness of the military—a core pillar of his governance.
