January 24, 2026 | MB Daily News | Los Angeles CA

Xi Jinping’s Military Purge Tightens Control of China’s Army

Beijing’s expanding investigations into top commanders deepen Xi’s grip on the People’s Liberation Army and raise new questions about military readiness.

BEIJING — China’s military leadership is under growing scrutiny as investigations reshape the upper ranks of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). As a result, analysts describe the campaign as one of the most significant power consolidations within the armed forces in decades.

At the center of the shake-up is President Xi Jinping, who has steadily reinforced his authority over the institution that underpins Communist Party rule. Consequently, loyalty has become as critical as operational experience.

What’s happening inside the PLA

Chinese authorities have repeatedly cited “serious violations of discipline and law” when announcing investigations into senior officers. Typically, this language signals corruption allegations, political disloyalty, or both.

Meanwhile, leadership reshuffles have accelerated across major commands and defense institutions. Because of this pace, observers are questioning whether stability inside the PLA is being tested.

Why this purge matters now

Xi has long pushed for military modernization, including joint operations, missile forces, cyber capabilities, and naval expansion. However, repeated corruption scandals have complicated that effort.

In addition, frequent leadership turnover can disrupt long-term planning. As a result, procurement timelines and operational coordination may suffer.

• First, loyalty over legacy: Promotions increasingly favor political reliability.
• Second, readiness concerns: Rapid changes may slow decision-making.
• Finally, regional consequences: Rivals closely monitor these shifts.

How this affects Taiwan and regional security

Externally, analysts are watching whether internal disruptions alter Beijing’s risk calculations. In particular, Taiwan remains a focal point for military signaling.

Although Xi’s control appears stronger, command cohesion could weaken in a crisis. Therefore, uncertainty remains about execution under pressure.

Why global observers are paying attention

China’s military modernization already shapes Indo-Pacific defense planning. At the same time, leadership volatility adds uncertainty for allies and rivals.

Ultimately, governments will look for clues in training patterns, procurement, and official messaging. These signals may reveal whether the PLA is stabilizing or becoming more politicized.

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