By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to the Defense Ministry, China’s top general is currently under investigation for suspected severe violations. This ongoing purge of military officials is believed to be aimed at reforming the military and ensuring loyalty to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Additionally, another Central Military Commission member, Liu Zhenli, is also under investigation. The statement did not provide specific details on the alleged wrongdoings.
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China’s top general under investigation in the latest military purge, it seems, has become the subject of intense scrutiny, prompting a flurry of speculation. It’s a situation that, frankly, many have been anticipating. The general, who once managed acquisitions for the Rocket Force for years and later served on the Central Military Commission, was in a prime position to capitalize on the system, potentially taking bribes from suppliers and fleecing the government. It’s noteworthy that nearly everyone connected to the Rocket Force, including suppliers, leaders, and those involved in acquisitions, has faced the axe, with the exception of this particular general. The timing of this recent purge is also interesting, as it follows a previous one that focused on corruption predating 2017, the very year this general received his promotion and left the Rocket Force.
These purges, it appears, are motivated by a combination of factors – corruption and the ever-present power struggles that are so common in such systems. Xi Jinping’s purges used to be a one-way street, carried out by his loyalists. But of late, other factions have begun fighting back, launching their own counter-purges. This dynamic is definitely worth watching. There’s also a persistent rumor that Xi Jinping was aware of the general’s alleged corrupt activities but looked the other way for a considerable time. This general was once a loyal supporter of Xi. It is now speculated, his corruption and incompetence were actively undermining Xi’s ambitious plans for military modernization and potential preparation for a Taiwan campaign. Xi, eager to cement his legacy, now seems prepared to sideline a once-trusted ally because of his perceived failings.
Consequently, it looks like Xi Jinping is getting exceedingly serious about a potential move on Taiwan in the coming years, and anyone he believes is not up to the task is facing elimination. Considering the near-monthly turnover of generals, the confidence of the troops in their leadership must be near rock bottom. It’s a stark contrast to how the media reacts when, say, South Korea addresses corruption versus China. Of course, this issue is deeply intertwined with Chinese history, where the military and politics have always been closely connected. Corruption, it seems, has been a systemic feature, serving the interests of many through patronage networks and political alliances, which have existed since the earliest dynasties. The relationship between the military and the ruling party is a crucial element, as generals in Chinese history have often been involved in political coups and were sometimes corrupt. That’s why political loyalty to the regime has always been of paramount importance. While this system can lead to corruption, it’s often tolerated for the sake of political support.
The dynamics, especially since the death of Mao, have seen power struggles between the party and the military, with the party needing to control the PLA by increasing its political oversight. Now, with Xi Jinping amassing unprecedented power, he appears to be breaking from the post-Deng consensus of the Chinese Communist Party’s politics. Purging a political ally isn’t as risky for Xi if he believes it strengthens his long-term position. He’s probably betting that unifying Taiwan will be his “Great Helmsman” moment, the event that will define his legacy. The constant replacement of top generals in peacetime is certainly noteworthy.
The reality, as some point out, is that corruption is often a significant factor in such military structures. It is believed that China’s four-star generals have historically been underpaid, and corruption becomes a means to supplement their incomes. The critical factor is loyalty. If that loyalty is not directed towards Xi Jinping or those he controls, corruption charges often follow. Moreover, the issue goes beyond mere corruption; it’s also about a general’s suitability for a potential Taiwan invasion. Xi Jinping is often seen as not being corrupt himself and is driven by an ideological vision. As a result, the removal of this general is more likely a reflection of broader strategic priorities than simply addressing corruption.
The official narrative of corruption is often a pretext for removing dissent. True justice, as some argue, doesn’t exist in such a system. The key point is that the general likely wasn’t aligning with Xi’s agenda, which is the real reason behind the investigation. While many believe an invasion of Taiwan is not on the immediate horizon, the purge could be a prelude to significant changes. If the military is weakened by the corruption, some have questioned who will lead such an operation. The focus is now on the potential for war and the need to prepare, with the possible acquisition of nuclear weapons as a deterrent.
Internal dissent within the Chinese Communist Party is a common cause for purges. Under Xi Jinping, this dissent is less tolerated than it was under his predecessors. Xi’s focus is on building a strong China at the expense of orthodox economic growth strategies. The general, perceived as being somewhat disloyal, was seen as undermining Xi’s reforms, and now faces the consequences. This is not necessarily about the general’s actual loyalty, but about crossing a certain threshold that turns one into a potential threat. It’s a reminder that such actions are not unique to China. Some have even suggested that the CIA has historically viewed Xi Jinping as “incorruptible,” making it harder to influence him through traditional means.
The consensus is that Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive serves a strategic purpose, eliminating officials vulnerable to foreign influence, while also ensuring the military is capable and ready for the future. The point is that if corruption hinders Xi’s goals, then the accused will face the consequences. This is not just a crackdown on corruption, but a strategic move. It is possible this is about preparing for a Taiwan invasion. It is also an indication of an authoritarian leader that is panicking. The goal is to leave a legacy, even if it comes at the expense of everyone else.