Xi Jinping‘s ongoing Military Purge: Three More Top Officers Fall Under Anti-Corruption Campaign
A wave of dismissals continues to sweep through the upper ranks of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as President xi Jinping intensifies his anti-corruption campaign. On Sunday, news broke of three more high-ranking military officials being removed from their posts, just a day after their expulsion from the Communist Party of China (CPC). This follows the October expulsion of nine other senior generals, signaling an unprecedented level of upheaval within the Chinese military.
But what does this mean for China’s military strength and Xi Jinping’s grip on power? Let’s break down the details.
Who Was Removed?
The latest officials to be ousted are:
* Wang Renhua: Head of the Central Military Commission’s (CMC) political and legal affairs Committee. He was recently promoted to admiral last year and oversaw the military’s legal system.
* Zhang Hongbing: Political commissar of the People’s Armed Police. He held the rank of full general, achieving this promotion in 2022.
* wang Peng: Director of the CMC’s training department. Appointed to this role in December 2021, he was a lieutenant general.
Interestingly, despite their removal from positions of power, all three will retain their membership in the Central Committee – the CPC’s key decision-making body.
Building on Previous Purges
These removals aren’t isolated incidents. They build upon the October dismissal of several other prominent figures, including:
* He Weidong: Former CMC vice chairman.
* he Hongjun: From the PLA political work department.
All nine expelled in October were cited for “seriously violating party discipline.” This vague phrasing is common in these announcements, often hinting at corruption, disloyalty, or breaches of political conduct.
Why is Xi Jinping Doing This?
You might be wondering why Xi jinping is undertaking such a dramatic overhaul of the military. Several factors are likely at play:
* Consolidating power: This is arguably the most significant driver. By removing potentially disloyal or enterprising officers, Xi jinping strengthens his control over the PLA, ensuring its unwavering allegiance.
* Combating Corruption: While the extent of actual corruption remains opaque, Xi Jinping has consistently framed this campaign as a necessary effort to cleanse the military and improve its effectiveness.
* Improving Military Readiness: A corrupt or inefficient military is a weak military. By removing underperforming or compromised officers, Xi Jinping aims to enhance the PLA’s capabilities and readiness.
* Sending a Message: The sheer scale of the purge sends a clear message to all PLA officers: loyalty to Xi Jinping is paramount.
A pattern of Intensified Scrutiny
Since assuming power in 2012, Xi Jinping has overseen the dismissal or discipline of dozens of senior PLA officers. This ongoing campaign demonstrates a level of scrutiny and control over the military that is unprecedented in recent Chinese history.
The timing is also noteworthy. As tensions rise in the South China Sea and regarding Taiwan, a stable and loyal military is crucial for Xi Jinping’s strategic objectives.
What Does This Mean for You?
While this internal Chinese affair might seem distant, it has implications for global security.A more centralized and controlled PLA, while potentially more efficient, could also be more assertive in pursuing China’s geopolitical goals.Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone following international relations, defense policy, or the evolving balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
Further Reading: For a deeper dive into the October purges, you can read more here: Purge unlike any other: Nine top Chinese generals expelled – Why Xi Jinping is cleaning house again
(With PTI inputs)
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