News of War Editor-in-Chief Casey Christie
Xi Jinping's Military Modernisation Halted by Sweeping Purge of PLA Generals Amidst Corruption Scandal
In Beijing, a significant reorganisation within the ranks of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been reported, showcasing the complexities of corruption within the military, which may hinder President Xi Jinping's goals for rapid modernisation amidst increasing global tensions.
The nation's senior legislative assembly has recently dismissed high-ranking military officers, as noted by state media—a move traditionally preceding further disciplinary measures. Notably, the dismissals included officers from the strategic Rocket Force, which manages both tactical and nuclear missiles.
This development marks a challenge for Xi, who has heavily invested in enhancing military capabilities as part of a vision to construct a "world-class" military by the mid-21st century. Despite a defense budget that has surpassed the nation's economic growth rate in recent years, the disgrace of these military leaders and associated suppliers has cast a shadow on the PLA's advancements, sparking debates on the sufficiency of oversight over these significant investments. This is particularly relevant as China competes with global powers in sensitive regions like Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Xi's tenure since 2012 has been characterised by a rigorous campaign against corruption within the Communist Party and various government sectors, with the PLA being a focal point of these efforts.
Among the nine generals excised from the legislative body were individuals with prominent roles across multiple military branches, including former commanders of the PLA Rocket Force and heads of the Air Force and Navy. Equipment officers were also implicated.
Andrew Scobell, a distinguished analyst at the United States Institute for Peace, interpreted these actions as indicative of a purge.
Analysts suspect corruption related to the procurement of equipment by the PLA Rocket Force is at the heart of these removals. "The purge that centered around the Rocket Force is not over," remarked Alfred Wu, a professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
Moreover, former defense minister Wei Fenghe, once a leader of the Rocket Force, has disappeared from public view. When inquiries were made regarding his status, a defense ministry spokesperson emphasized the military's stringent anti-corruption stance in August.
Li Shangfu, Wei's successor, also vanished abruptly from his post in October, with no official reason provided. One of his former deputies was among those recently removed from the legislative assembly.
The current focus on the Rocket Force in this crackdown is particularly startling, given the expected strict selection processes for leaders in charge of China's nuclear arsenal. Dennis Wilder of Georgetown University finds the breadth of the scandal surprising, involving multiple high-ranking officials rather than an isolated case.
Experts suggest that these actions might temporarily debilitate the Rocket Force until order is reestablished. The strategic nuclear force is crucial to China's national security, especially regarding Taiwan, and restoring confidence in its capabilities is now imperative.
Yun Sun, from the Stimson Center, likened Xi's anti-corruption crusade to an endless endeavour, highlighting the difficulty in fully eradicating such deep-seated issues.
In terms of future implications, analysts foresee that corruption may continue due to unaddressed systemic issues like insufficient officer remuneration and lack of transparency in military spending.
Chen Daoyin, a former academic now working as a political commentator, suggests that these revelations may make Xi more cautious about engaging in military conflicts in the near term. "He drank his Kool-Aid and thought the military can really 'fight and win battles'," Chen stated. However, the realisation of pervasive corruption might undermine Xi's confidence in the military's professed loyalty and combat readiness.