Xi Jinping's crackdown deepens as trust in Chinese generals erodes

Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified a purge of senior military leaders, dramatically shrinking the number of generals present at a recent legislative meeting from around 40 to only a few. In a rare public speech he warned that “the armed forces must never have anyone harboring divided feelings toward the Party,” echoing the historic phrase “divided heart” to signal deep mistrust of senior officers.

The campaign has already seen the removal of top commander Zhang Youxia, death sentences (suspended for two years) for two former defence ministers on corruption charges, and the ousting of dozens of high‑ranking officials. Analysts say the purge threatens Xi’s long‑term goal of modernising the People’s Liberation Army with new carriers, hypersonic missiles and an expanded nuclear arsenal, as it pits the need for combat readiness against absolute loyalty to the Party.