Xi Jinping’s Purges: Consolidating Power and Remaking the PLA
China’s President Xi Jinping has undertaken a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has reshaped the country’s power structures, particularly within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This effort, experts say, is less about eliminating graft and more about ensuring absolute loyalty and building a modern, effective fighting force aligned with Xi’s strategic vision.
Xi’s initial focus was on the security services – the core of civilian “hard power.” By dismantling existing networks and replacing personnel, he secured his position and built a base of support. “If you’re the dictator and you’re trying to insure that your personal position is secure, you need to consolidate and control the sources of hard power,” one analyst stated. The civilian side presented the most accessible target, unlike the PLA, which had historically resisted reform.
The Shift to the PLA: Echoes of Mao
The turning point in the anti-corruption drive came in the fall of 2014, with a symbolic reenactment of the 1929 Gutian Conference. This historical event solidified the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) control over the military and cemented Mao Zedong’s authority. Xi summoned top generals to Gutian, signaling the beginning of a large-scale campaign within the PLA.
The motivations were multifaceted. While genuine corruption existed – with promotions reportedly being “bought” through illicit financial arrangements, likened to “angel-investing in a P.L.A. officer” – the campaign also served to dismantle rival networks and install loyalists. Xi aimed to create a PLA that was not only free of corruption but also firmly under his command.
Zhang Youxia’s Purge and the Shifting Landscape
The recent purging of Zhang Youxia, a high-ranking official who thrived during the Hu Jintao era, exemplifies this strategy. Zhang had overseen the PLA’s equipment department, a position rife with opportunities for graft given the military’s rapidly increasing budget. Since the Gutian meeting, the CCP has been systematically scrutinizing the PLA’s upper echelons. The Central Military Commission has been significantly downsized, now consisting of Xi and a single vice-chairman, Zhang Shengmin.
The timing and speed of Zhang’s removal have raised questions. While building a case against a senior official is inherently complex, some speculate about potential power struggles. Rumors of a potential “putsch” against Xi have circulated, but are largely dismissed as unsubstantiated. “It is such a black box,” one source admitted, highlighting the opacity surrounding these events.
Beyond Corruption: Aligning the PLA with Foreign Policy Goals
While eliminating corruption and building a professional fighting force are key objectives, the purges also appear aimed at ensuring ideological alignment within the PLA leadership. Xi’s vision for the military centers on its ability to “fight and win wars” and become a “world-class army.”
There is debate over whether the purges are specifically targeting those who disagree with Xi’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Taiwan. While it’s plausible that discord exists between Xi and some generals, the structured nature of the system makes overt resistance from senior leaders unlikely. “It’s possible, but we just don’t know,” an expert noted.
The Fate of the Purged
On the civilian side, those found guilty typically face public trials and lengthy prison sentences, often in relatively comfortable facilities outside Beijing. However, the fate of purged military officials remains largely unknown.
China and a Changing World Order
The ongoing changes within the PLA are occurring against a backdrop of shifting global dynamics, particularly in light of recent developments in U.S. foreign policy. According to one official, Xi has long predicted an era of unprecedented global change, and the Trump Administration’s actions only reinforce this view.
The CCP views this period as a mixed bag. While the U.S.’s actions provide opportunities to undermine American influence, China also benefited from the existing U.S.-led order and fears potential chaos from its collapse. The CCP, therefore, appears to favor a “managed decline” of the current system, allowing them to strategically exploit the evolving landscape – a strategy they have been pursuing for the past decade.
