Xi Jinping conducts major purges within Chinese military leadership

Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen a massive purge within the People's Liberation Army, marking the most significant removal of military personnel since the era of Mao Zedong. The campaign, officially framed as an anti-corruption drive, aims to ensure the absolute political loyalty of the armed forces to the Communist Party.

The purges have targeted strategic sectors, including the Rocket Force responsible for conventional missile defense and the nuclear arsenal. High-ranking officials, including generals, admirals, and colonels, have been removed. Notably, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress formalized the removal of Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, a commission member, following investigations into violations of discipline and law.

These removals have significantly hollowed out the leadership of the Central Military Commission. Originally composed of seven members, the commission's public membership has been reduced to just two: Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin. The loss of high-level commanders has left several military units without established leadership. In October 2025, the crackdown intensified with the arrest of nine generals and one admiral in a single day.