Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a second wave of purges within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), targeting even his long-time loyalists. This marks a significant shift in Xi’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has expanded into a crusade against perceived disloyalty within the military’s upper echelons. By taking down top figures from his inner circle, Xi demonstrates a new phase of consolidation, but also reveals the persistent challenges of rooting out corruption and fostering unwavering loyalty in the world’s largest military.

Background of Xi’s Military Purges

Xi Jinping’s crusade against corruption began in 2012 as a mechanism to dismantle rival factions and consolidate power. During his first military purge, Xi removed top generals tied to political cliques such as the “Shanghai Gang,” including Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, both of whom had accepted bribes for promotions. This wave saw the downfall of over 80 senior officers and marked Xi’s dominance over the PLA.

“The barrels of guns must always be in the hands of those who are loyal and dependable to the party,” Xi declared in 2024, highlighting his continued focus on military loyalty. Now, a decade later, Xi has shifted focus to the allies he himself promoted. Since last summer, over a dozen high-ranking figures have been ousted, including two successive defense ministers and influential figures within the Rocket Force—the elite unit overseeing China’s nuclear arsenal. Among the most notable recent casualties is Admiral Miao Hua, a longtime ally who rose through the ranks with Xi’s backing. Miao, tasked with ensuring ideological loyalty within the PLA, is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” a common euphemism for corruption and disloyalty.

Who Is Being Purged?

The scope of Xi’s current purge is broad, encompassing:

1. Admiral Miao Hua — A member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and former political commissar of the PLA Navy, Miao had deep personal ties with Xi dating back to their time in Fujian. His investigation signals the purge’s extension into the PLA’s Political Work Department, a crucial arm responsible for ensuring loyalty to the Communist Party. “We cannot find a more apodictic acolyte of Xi than Miao,” said James Char, an expert on the PLA.
2. Defense Ministers — Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, both promoted under Xi, were removed for accepting bribes related to substandard military equipment procurement.
3. Rocket Force Leadership — Generals overseeing China’s strategic missile forces, including Li Yuchao and Zhou Yaning, have been implicated in corruption scandals.
4. Broader PLA Leadership — Xi’s anti-graft campaign has ensnared figures across the PLA’s Navy, Air Force, and even its military-industrial complex. These investigations have highlighted systemic issues, from bribes for promotions to allegations of weapons procurement fraud.

Reasons Behind the Purges

The PLA has long been plagued by corruption, with bribery and nepotism entrenched in its culture. Despite Xi’s decade-long anti-corruption drive, his trusted appointees have not been immune. Reports suggest that even strategic missile systems were compromised, with instances of faulty equipment being purchased at inflated prices. “If Miao is eventually indicted of graft, clearly Xi himself had not anticipated the obscene extent of corruption that exists among PLA elites,” noted Char.

Xi’s concern over internal threats goes beyond financial corruption. Miao Hua and others are suspected of fostering their own power bases within the military. Analysts suggest that Miao’s promotion of close associates within the Navy and Rocket Force may have alarmed Xi, who views such networks as potential rival factions. “Of course, the only person who is allowed to form a faction is Xi himself,” remarked Victor Shih, a political science professor.

The timing of these purges coincides with escalating tensions between China and the United States, particularly over Taiwan. Xi’s efforts to create a “world-class” military capable of rivaling the U.S. are undermined by internal corruption and mistrust among top commanders. The purges may be an attempt to ensure that the PLA’s leadership is not only competent but also unwaveringly loyal to Xi’s vision.

Implications for Xi and the PLA

The removal of high-ranking officials like Miao Hua underscores Xi’s willingness to sacrifice even close allies to maintain control. However, such actions also reveal cracks in his governance. Analysts argue that Xi’s reliance on constant purges—a tactic reminiscent of Mao Zedong—reflects not strength, but paranoia. Despite having installed his own loyalists, Xi’s actions suggest a lack of confidence in their fidelity.

Frequent leadership changes and investigations risk destabilizing the military’s chain of command. The PLA’s combat readiness, particularly in sensitive branches like the Rocket Force, could suffer as officers focus on survival rather than strategic planning. “If he fears that he has brought in people who are not unquestionably loyal to him or his agenda, that would be a huge problem,” said Joel Wuthnow, a senior research fellow.

Xi’s campaign has drawn parallels to Stalinist purges, where even trusted lieutenants were not safe from suspicion. Experts predict this cycle will intensify as Xi ages and his grip on power becomes increasingly fragile. By constantly uprooting potential threats, Xi risks fostering resentment and fear among remaining officials, potentially breeding new forms of dissent. “This happens over and over again with dictators,” said Shih, referencing similar actions by Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin.

Xi Jinping’s second military purge marks a critical juncture in his leadership. While it underscores his determination to root out corruption and solidify loyalty, it also exposes systemic flaws within the PLA and raises questions about his ability to govern through fear and suspicion. As geopolitical tensions mount, the resilience of China’s military—and Xi’s control over it—will remain a pivotal factor in shaping the country’s future trajectory. “We must ensure the troops remain absolutely loyal, absolutely pure, and absolutely reliable,” Xi declared, summing up his vision for the PLA in uncertain times.