China Purges Top Military Generals as Xi Jinping Signals Anti-Corruption Drive
Feb 12, 2026: China’s President Xi Jinping has publicly addressed the recent removal of top military leaders, emphasizing the Communist Party’s anti-corruption campaign and consolidating his control over the armed forces. The purge has raised questions about its impact on China’s military readiness and internal power dynamics.
The latest removals include:
General Zhang Youxia, 75, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), a top military leadership body.
General Liu Zhenli, senior officer in the PLA, removed alongside Zhang.
Nine other senior generals were removed in October 2025, including some members of the CMC.
With the CMC now reduced to just two members—Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin, the shake-up has left a significant leadership vacuum at the top of China’s armed forces.
General Zhang Youxia
Possible Reasons Behind the Purge
Experts suggest multiple factors behind the high-level removals:
Anti-corruption enforcement: Xi has made fighting corruption a central pillar of his leadership, portraying it as essential to Party integrity.
Consolidation of power: The purge strengthens Xi’s authority by removing senior figures who could challenge his leadership.
Factional disputes: Analysts speculate the changes reflect internal power struggles within the PLA and the Communist Party.
Operational caution: Removing experienced generals may slow military decision-making, as officers adjust to a climate of heightened scrutiny.
Domestic Messaging and Party Control
Xi’s rare public remarks during Chinese New Year framed the military purges as “revolutionary tempering” against corruption. He praised PLA troops for remaining “loyal to the Party” and capable of facing challenges. Experts note that publicizing the purge reinforces consequences for disloyalty and signals the Party’s unyielding control over the military hierarchy.
International Implications
While China’s strategic ambitions—including pressure on Taiwan—may remain unchanged, the removal of senior military leaders could affect operational decision-making. With fewer experienced generals in key roles, decisions on escalation and conflict management may now depend more directly on Xi himself.
“The purge highlights Xi’s unassailable authority but also creates friction and uncertainty within the PLA,” said Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore. “It underscores the risks of internal power struggles in China’s military while demonstrating the limits of transparency.”
China’s anti-corruption campaign continues to reshape the PLA, signaling both Xi’s determination to centralize control and the challenges posed by the loss of experienced military leaders.
