Troops Fear Purge: PLA Morale Crumbles

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China’s leader Xi Jinping faces questions about his grip on the military as a massive purge sweeps through the top ranks of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Just days ago, the defense ministry announced investigations into General Zhang Youxia, the vice chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC) China’s highest military body and General Liu Zhenli, head of joint staff operations. Both face charges of “grave violations of discipline and law,” with no specifics given. Zhang, once seen as Xi’s trusted confidant due to their fathers shared revolutionary history, stayed in power past retirement age. Now, he’s out, leaving the CMC with just Xi and one other member. This caps a stunning six-month run where at least 11 top commanders fell, including nine in October 2025 alone. While called an anti-corruption push, some wonder if Xi is quietly removing anyone who might challenge his rule.

This isn’t new Xi’s campaign since 2012 has punished over a million officials and at least 17 PLA generals, including eight ex-CMC members. Five of the six uniformed leaders Xi picked for the CMC in 2022 are now gone, leaving huge gaps. Experts like Christopher K. Johnson, a former CIA analyst, call it the “total annihilation” of the high command. Xi seems to believe corruption runs so deep that even his inner circle can’t fix it, so he’s digging for younger, untainted officers. Zhang Youxia, 75 and Liu Zhenli, 61, bring rare combat experience from 1970s fights with Vietnam, yet they tumbled too. Rumours swirl of issues like nuclear leaks, family graft, or unreported problems hints that loyalty tests matter more than battlefield skills. The PLA Daily stresses “party loyalty” above all warning of a “total collapse of beliefs” from corruption.

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The fallout hits key units hard, fueling talk of deeper rifts. Many purged officers link to the Western Theatre Command, overseeing the tense India border like expelled General He Weidong, its former ground forces head and possibly Wang Haijiang. Others tie to the Eastern Theatre’s old 31st Group Army (now 73rd), near Fujian and Taiwan-focused, where seven of nine October dismissals came from a supposed “crony network” of He Weidong, Miao Hua, and Lin Xiangyang. Rocket Force and Navy leaders also vanished over procurement scandals. Since 2023, over 20 seniors have been booted, including ex-Defense Ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe for bribes plus disloyalty. Analysts say this shows factional fights, like Xi’s Shaanxi roots clashing with others, turning the PLA brittle.

Troop morale plummets as fear spreads. Rank-and-file soldiers lose faith when trusted bosses disappear overnight, questioning who’s next. Vacancies freeze promotions and training, paralyzing operations. Experts note disruptions delay Taiwan or South China Sea prep—Neil Thomas says short-term threats weaken due to “high command disarray,” though a loyal force might emerge later. CNA reports everyday morale suffers, with focus shifting to ideological drills over combat skills.

Xi’s actions give him more control but also reveal serious problems inside the military. The CMC may remain with many empty seats until the 2027 party congress, since there is no urgency to replace them unless Xi wants to limit the influence of Zhang Shengmin, the only other member. Many observers say these purges are driven more by fear and suspicion than by real professional standards, which is weakening unity in a military that is supposed to be “rejuvenated.” As China pressures Taiwan while the United States steps up arms sales and military exercises, people around the world are asking whether the PLA is becoming stronger or simply more unstable.