Sword of loyalty: decoding Xi Jinpings perpetual military purge

The recent announcement by China’s Ministry of Defense regarding the investigation of General Zhang Youxia, a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has sent ripples through the global geopolitical landscape.

For over a decade, President Xi Jinping has wielded an unrelenting anti-corruption campaign as both a shield for the state and a sword for political consolidation. Much like Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew, Xi treats anti-corruption not merely as a legal matter, but as a vital tool for maintaining the legitimacy of the ruling party.

However, the downfall of Zhang—once considered one of Xi’s most trusted “old guard” allies—signals a new, more considerable chapter in the transformation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Western observers often view these purges through the singular lens of power consolidation and some view them as a Chinese self-defeating move. However, a closer examination suggests a multifaceted strategy.

This is not merely about removing rivals; it is a systematic effort to reforge the PLA into a force that is ideologically pure, operationally efficient and strictly insulated from foreign influence. As China eyes its 2040 modernization goals, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is signaling that in the new era, absolute loyalty is the only currency that matters.

Rooting out the rot

At its core, the purge is framed as a prerequisite for military modernization. The CCP’s ambition to build a “world-class military” by 2049 cannot be realized if the bedrock of the institution is softened by graft.

Corruption in the PLA—ranging from the sale of commissions to kickbacks in procurement—directly undermines the “hard power” China seeks to project by 2049 and beyond.

The removal of senior figures like Zhang and the earlier dismissal of nine high-ranking generals in late 2025, including CMC vice chairman He Weidong and Rocket Force commander Wang Houbin, underscores a ruthless pursuit of efficiency.

A military plagued by “peace disease” and embezzled budgets cannot effectively execute complex operations around Taiwan or maintain a presence in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

By professionalizing the command structure and removing those who treat the PLA as a personal fiefdom, Beijing aims to ensure that when orders are given, the machine functions without friction.

Beyond the barracks, the purge serves a profound domestic purpose: reinforcing a specific brand of Chinese nationalism. The CCP has long positioned itself as the sole guardian of China’s national dignity. When high-ranking officials fall, the state’s narrative is clear: no individual is greater than the nation.

By investigating even those close to the leadership, the Party demonstrates a “self-revolutionary” spirit intended to boost public morale. This promotes a sense of national unity, which is increasingly vital as China navigates economic challenges and intensifying global pressures.

For the younger Chinese generation, these actions instill the belief that the path to China’s “Great Rejuvenation” requires a military and a bureaucracy characterized by self-sacrifice rather than self-interest.

Ultimate test of loyalty

In the Chinese political system, dating back to Mao’s time, the “gun” must always follow the “Party.”

The purge is the ultimate stress test for the loyalty of the nation’s soldiers, bureaucrats, and state-paid officials. The investigation into officials such as General Liu Zhenli, head of the Joint Staff Department, proves that high office provides no sanctuary from political scrutiny.

This perpetual state of vetting ensures that institutional loyalty is not just a preference but a survival mechanism. By emphasizing adherence to Chinese civilization and Party ideals, the leadership aims to eliminate factionalism. The goal is a monolithic command structure in which the gap between the Party’s intent and the military’s execution is nonexistent.

One of the most strategic elements of the current crackdown is the targeting of “naked officials” (luoguan)—those whose families and assets are stationed in the West. In Beijing’s eyes, these individuals represent a glaring vulnerability.

The dismissals of former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe highlight this concern. Even in the absence of proven graft, officials with deep personal ties to Western educational or financial systems are increasingly viewed as potential conduits for foreign intelligence.

By purging these “naked” elements, the CCP is effectively de-risking its own leadership, both in the near term and in the long run. This ensures that those making the most sensitive decisions regarding China’s future are fully invested in the domestic system, with no escape hatch to the West.

Parallel to the “naked official” crackdown is a broader campaign to insulate Chinese public and military life from Western ideological influence. The CCP perceives Western liberal values not just as a cultural difference, but as a strategic threat to Chinese development and the CCP’s survival.

The removal of figures like General Miao Hua suggests a move toward complete technological and ideological independence. By purging the upper echelons of those sympathetic to Western paradigms, China is preparing for a future of protracted competition with the West.

This cultural decoupling is viewed as essential for maintaining the Party’s grip on society and economy, while ensuring that China’s developmental path remains distinctly its own “socialism with Chinese characters.”

High-stakes reform

The ongoing military purge is arguably the most significant political reform of the Xi era. It is a historic attempt to synchronize the military’s capabilities with the Party’s political will and China’s economic might. By tightening its hold on the PLA, the CCP is not just seeking internal stability; it is preparing the nation for a century of global leadership.

Such a sweeping campaign, however, is not risk-free. The atmosphere of perpetual investigation can lead to paralysis among the officer corps, where fear of making a mistake outweighs the initiative required for modern warfare. Furthermore, the removal of old guard figures like Zhang raises questions about the long-term stability of the CCPs inner circle.

Ultimately, whether this purge results in a rejuvenated, invincible PLA or an institution hollowed out by distrust remains to be seen. What is certain is that the “sword of loyalty” has been drawn, and for the leadership in Beijing, there is no turning back.

Bhim Bhurtel is on X at@BhimBhurtel