Xi Breaks Silence on PLA Corruption Crackdown
Chinese President Xi Jinping has publicly acknowledged the recent military purge that removed some of China’s top generals. This rare reference signals how serious the situation has become inside the People’s Liberation Army, PLA.
In January, authorities removed General Zhang Youxia from his post. Many saw him as Xi’s closest military ally. Officials accused him of “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrase commonly used in China to describe corruption.
Another senior officer, General Liu Zhenli, also lost his position during the same crackdown.
Xi Calls the Year “Unusual and Extraordinary”
During his annual virtual Chinese New Year address to the PLA, Xi described the past year as “unusual and extraordinary.” He said the military had gone through “revolutionary tempering” while fighting corruption.
He stressed that the army had handled “various risks and challenges.” According to Xi, many officers experienced “in-depth political rectification.”
Xi also praised PLA troops. He said they remained loyal to the Communist Party and proved themselves dependable.
This marks the first time since 2022 that Xi has mentioned corruption in his annual greeting to the armed forces.
Military Leadership Faces Major Shake-Up
The January removals followed another large-scale purge in October 2025. At that time, authorities dismissed nine top generals, including members of the powerful Central Military Commission, CMC.
Over the past three years, officials have sacked or investigated at least 14 full-rank generals.
These actions have significantly reduced the seven-member CMC. Now only two members remain, including Xi himself.
The scale of these removals has raised concerns. Some analysts believe such deep leadership cuts could affect the military’s short-term readiness.
Anti-Corruption Drive or Political Strategy?
Since taking power, Xi has made anti-corruption efforts a core part of his leadership. He often calls corruption the “biggest threat” to the Communist Party. He has also described the fight as “grave and complex.”
However, critics argue that these crackdowns may also serve another purpose. Some believe Xi uses anti-corruption campaigns to remove political rivals and strengthen control.
Professor Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore says official statements provide little detail. According to him, it remains unclear whether these cases involve genuine corruption, internal power struggles, or broader political purges.
He suggests that public announcements mainly send a message to party officials. The message appears clear: follow party discipline closely and align with Xi’s leadership.
Why Xi’s Comments Matter
Xi rarely speaks openly about internal military issues. He does not hold press conferences or give interviews, even to state media.
That makes his latest comments significant. Observers believe he wants to reassure party members and military leaders that he has a clear strategy.
By addressing the purge directly, Xi may be trying to maintain stability within the armed forces. He also signals that discipline and loyalty remain top priorities.
For now, the anti-corruption campaign inside China’s military shows no signs of slowing down.
