"China's drive to modernize its military to rival the US armed forces is running parallel with an aggressive purge of its senior leaders. The People's Liberation Army has been repeatedly shaken by a massive anti-corruption campaign led by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Now, the military leadership is under renewed scrutiny after one of China's most senior generals was placed under investigation."
"Analysts Business Insider spoke with said the accusations suggested more than just financial corruption, which has been the case for others. Rather, the language indicates Zhang and Liu challenged Xi's authority, whether through disagreements on modernization goals, failures to meet expectations, or power and influence struggles within the ranks. The reasons may never be known, as China's "black box" opacity increasingly blurs realities inside its government."
China is pursuing rapid military modernization while simultaneously conducting an expansive anti-corruption purge among senior officers. Multiple high-ranking personnel, including Gen. Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, were placed under investigation, signaling intensified scrutiny at the top of the People's Liberation Army. Official PLA media accused the officers of betraying party trust and fostering political and corruption problems that undermined party control over the military. Analysts interpret the language as implying challenges to Xi Jinping's authority beyond mere financial misconduct. The removals have thinned experienced leadership at senior levels and prompted questions about command cohesion and near-term combat readiness. China’s opaque decision-making makes full motives unclear.
Read at Business Insider
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