Xi Jinping conducts a large-scale purge of Chinese generals

Xi Jinping conducts a new purge in the army - dozens of generals dismissed

China has announced a new wave of personnel purges in its military leadership ahead of an important parliamentary session. Chinese President Xi Jinping continues to remove potentially disloyal officials.

Large-scale layoffs

According to official reports, they lost their positions:

• Minister;

• former provincial party leader;

• is the head of the military court system;

• nine generals.

Formally, most cases are related to suspicions of corruption.

The biggest purge in a decade

Analysts say the current campaign has become the largest military purge since the Cultural Revolution.

A study by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) shows that since 2022, 36 generals have been officially dismissed; about 65 more high-ranking officials have disappeared from public view; more than half of the 176 top military positions have been affected.

Experts suggest that this has already affected the effectiveness of the army.

Possible political purpose

Observers believe that the purges may have a broader political logic - eliminating any opposition ahead of the decision on Xi's new term.

The current term of the Chinese leader expires next year, and he must receive support at the party congress.

Signs of tension in the elites

Particular attention is drawn to the disappearance of some high-ranking officials from the public sphere.

Among them is a member of the Politburo Ma Xingzhui, who has not been seen in public since November. There is no official explanation for his absence.

Impact on military plans

According to analysts, large-scale personnel reshuffles could temporarily weaken the operational capabilities of the People's Liberation Army of China.

In particular, it is reported that:

• The eastern theatre of command had not had a full-fledged leader for nine months;

• There were delays in military exercises.

Context.

Despite the purges, China continues to modernise its armed forces on a large scale.

At the same time, experts warn that excessive concentration of power and an atmosphere of fear in the command can increase the risk of wrong decisions in crisis situations.