China is undergoing an extensive anti-corruption crackdown that has led to the removal of several high-ranking military officials, sparking concerns about the readiness and stability of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). With Beijing's annual Two Sessions political gathering set to begin on March 4, more than a dozen military officials are expected to be absent due to the ongoing investigations.
In late February, authorities announced that Tan Ruisong, the former chairman of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), was the latest figure to be targeted in the anti-corruption campaign. AVIC, a Fortune Global 500 defense contractor and aircraft manufacturer, plays a crucial role in China's military-industrial complex. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the country’s top anti-graft watchdog, accused Tan of accepting large bribes and profiting from military contracts. Neither Tan nor AVIC has publicly responded to the allegations.
The purge has been widespread, affecting over 14 senior military officials in the past two years. Among those removed is General Li Yuchao, the former head of the PLA Rocket Force, which oversees China’s missile systems. His deputy, along with four generals, eight lieutenant generals, and two major generals, have also been dismissed. The crackdown has even reached China's political advisory body, leading to the expulsion of at least three aerospace defense executives.
There is also speculation about China’s Defense Minister, Dong Jun, a naval officer, possibly being under investigation. While China’s Foreign Ministry denied the claims last year, analysts are closely watching to see if he appears at the Two Sessions meeting.
Many analysts believe that these purges are less about tackling corruption and more about President Xi Jinping tightening his grip on the military. Xi has made it clear that he wants absolute loyalty from the armed forces. In a speech to senior military officials last June, he declared, "We must uphold the party’s absolute leadership over the military... The gun barrel must always be grasped by people who are loyal and reliable to the party." This echoes the famous saying by Communist leader Mao Zedong: "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun."
Some experts argue that the crackdown is a strategic move to eliminate potential rivals within the Communist Party. "Purges are likely a manifestation of growing challenges against Xi by other party leaders," said Yoichiro Sato, a professor at Japan’s Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. "Corruption charges are often used as a tool to remove those who are less loyal to Xi."
The campaign has also taken down individuals previously thought to be close to Xi. Miao Hua, a high-ranking member of the Central Military Commission and head of its Political Work Department, was among those removed. Even two consecutive defense ministers—Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu—were dismissed in 2023. Wei, who served as China’s Defense Minister from 2018 to 2023, had previously led the PLA Rocket Force, a division that has been particularly affected by the anti-corruption drive.
While Xi’s purges may reinforce his personal control over the military, they could have unintended consequences for China’s military effectiveness. The removal of key personnel could lower morale and disrupt command structures, potentially weakening China’s ability to execute complex military operations.
Some analysts believe that this instability may reduce China’s willingness to engage in military conflict, particularly regarding Taiwan. "If Xi cannot be sure that the PLA would be able to prevail in a conflict, he is less likely to take on the risks of military action against Taiwan or in the South China Sea," said Helena Legarda, an analyst at the Mercator Institute of China Studies.
The PLA Rocket Force, which would play a critical role in any potential Taiwan invasion, has been one of the hardest-hit divisions. "When military leaders are removed, morale and capability suffer," said Mohan Malik, a fellow at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies. "This suggests that the PLA may be less effective than it appears on paper, even as China continues to develop advanced missiles, stealth fighters, and an expanding navy."
Despite the challenges, some experts argue that Xi is positioning China for a future global conflict, particularly with the United States. "Xi is conscious that he will have to call on the PLA in a global war with the U.S. in the not-so-distant future," said Evan Ellis, a professor at the U.S. Army War College. "It is vital that he eliminate any risk of dissent within the military ranks before such a confrontation occurs."
Xi has openly criticized the PLA’s current capabilities, accusing the military of suffering from “peace disease”—a term used to describe inefficiency and lack of combat readiness. The ongoing purges appear to be an effort to remove corrupt or unreliable officials and replace them with those who are fully loyal to Xi’s vision.
China’s anti-corruption purge is reshaping the country’s military and political landscape. While it strengthens Xi Jinping’s control, it also raises serious questions about China’s military readiness. The removal of experienced military leaders could weaken the PLA’s operational effectiveness and slow China’s long-term strategic ambitions.
As the purges continue, the world will be watching closely—especially regarding how this internal instability impacts China’s stance on Taiwan and its broader geopolitical ambitions.
