In Xi Jinping’s Purge of the Military, a Search for Absolute Loyalty

Xi Jinping is conducting a significant purge of the Chinese military, reminiscent of Mao Zedong's "rectification" campaigns. Over the past three years, five of the six generals in the Central Military Commission, the top military body, have been ousted. The removal of Gen. Zhang Youxia, once considered a confidant, signals an escalation of Xi's efforts to consolidate absolute loyalty within the People's Liberation Army. This extensive cleansing aims to ensure complete control over the military, reflecting Xi's pursuit of constant "self-revolution" and mirroring Mao's tactics of eliminating rivals. Despite the purges, Chinese officials are projecting normalcy, with Xi Jinping continuing to engage in diplomatic and policy work.

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