Xi Jinping Demands Absolute Military Loyalty Amid Widening Anti-Corruption Purge
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a stark demand for absolute political loyalty within the military, while calling for a resolute and unyielding push forward in the fight against corruption. This comes as a significant anti-corruption purge continues to widen across China's armed forces, targeting high-ranking officers and officials.
No Room for Disloyalty or Corruption
"There must be no one in the military who harbors disloyalty to the Party," Xi declared in remarks published by the official Xinhua News Agency on Saturday. He was speaking at a plenary meeting of the delegation of China’s People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police Force. This meeting coincided with China's annual "two sessions" gatherings of its top legislature and political advisory body.
Xi further emphasized that "there must be no hiding place for corrupt individuals," and insisted that "the fight against corruption must be resolutely pushed forward." These statements underscore a deepening commitment to political purity and integrity within the military's ranks.
A Sustained and Targeted Campaign
The anti-corruption campaign, launched by Xi over a decade ago, shows no signs of abating. In recent years, the military has become a primary target. This includes the removal of its top general last month, as part of Xi's broader efforts to reform and modernize the armed forces.
Analysts suggest the campaign serves a dual purpose: it is not only a drive against graft but also a strategic method for Xi, now in his 14th year of power, to eliminate potential rivals and ensure absolute loyalty among his subordinates. This consolidation of power is seen as critical to his leadership and the Party's control over the military.
Recent Purges and Defense Budget
Recent actions highlight the purge's intensity. Last week, the National People’s Congress dismissed nine military officers. These included two officials under the Central Military Commission, the military's highest governing body, as well as officers from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. Additionally, three generals were removed this week from China's top political advisory body.
Amid these internal cleansings, Chinese leaders have also pledged a 7% increase in the defense budget for this year, amounting to approximately 1.9 trillion yuan (about $270 billion). This growth rate is slightly lower than the average annual increase of about 7.2% observed over the past three years, indicating a nuanced approach to military spending alongside internal reforms.
The combination of heightened budgetary commitments and stringent internal purges reflects a comprehensive strategy to bolster military capability while ensuring unwavering political allegiance to Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China.
