Xi Jinping Intensifies Anti-Corruption Campaign in Military
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Xi Jinping Intensifies Anti-Corruption Campaign in Military
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified an anti-corruption campaign within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) since 2023, leading to the removal or investigation of over 100 senior officers.
- This ongoing purge, which has been a signature policy of Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012, emphasizes absolute loyalty to the Communist Party and aims to enhance the military's combat effectiveness.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is actively working to combat corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) through a series of political education initiatives and purges. Since 2023, this anti-corruption campaign has led to the removal or investigation of more than 100 high-ranking military officers, including two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC), three CMC members, and a former defense minister.
These efforts are part of a broader, decade-long anti-corruption drive initiated by Xi Jinping in 2012, which he has described as crucial for the Communist Party’s survival. The campaign within the military specifically aims to ensure unwavering political loyalty to the Party and improve the PLA’s combat readiness and modernization. Corruption is seen as undermining both the political unity and operational capabilities of the armed forces.
As part of this push, new rules to strengthen political discipline and party loyalty were introduced, effective January 1, 2026, targeting “erroneous political views” and “fake combat capabilities.” Senior military officers have also been sent to intensive political retraining courses. The campaign has particularly focused on institutions like the Rocket Force and the military procurement system. For instance, the Rocket Force has seen numerous generals disappear, be investigated, or be dismissed since 2022.
Analysts suggest that while the campaign aims to modernize the military, it also serves to consolidate Xi Jinping’s power by removing potential rivals and ensuring absolute obedience among subordinates.