Xi Jinping Acknowledges Military Purge Amid Corruption Crackdown

Thu Feb 12 2026 23:58:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a rare address, Chinese President Xi Jinping comments on the recent removal of military officials amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts, indicating significant shifts within the People's Liberation Army.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a notable public comment regarding a recent military purge that led to the removal of top general Zhang Youxia, along with other officials, signaling continued anti-corruption measures within the armed forces. This crackdown is part of Xi's broader strategy to combat corruption and assert control over the military.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a rare public reference to a recent crackdown which saw the country's top military general removed. General Zhang Youxia, who was widely seen as Xi's closest military ally, was removed from his post in January. He was accused of serious violations of discipline and law - typically a euphemism for corruption.

Speaking in a virtual address on Tuesday, Xi stated that the past year had been unusual and extraordinary, adding that the army had undergone revolutionary tempering in the fight against corruption. Since coming to power, President Xi has launched waves of anti-corruption drives, which critics suggest have been utilized to purge political rivals.

In his remarks, Xi also emphasized that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had effectively addressed various risks and challenges, indicating that many in the army had undergone in-depth political rectification. He characterized PLA troops as loyal to the Party... and proven themselves capable and dependable.

The latest remarks are part of Xi's annual Chinese New Year greetings to the PLA, marking the first mention of corruption in these greetings since 2022. Zhang, 75, was vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, a key military leadership group as Xi's anti-corruption campaign has recently affected the military's hierarchy significantly.

Following another purge in October 2025, which saw nine top generals, including some CMC members, removed from their posts, Xi's comments may seek to reassure party cadres and the military that governance remains firmly controlled by his leadership amidst disruptions.

Experts note that while the fight against corruption is presented as a front-line agenda, the real sources of conflict within the Party’s ranks often remain hidden amid the rhetoric. The ongoing purges indicate a turbulent phase within China's military leadership, as the number of high-ranking officials removed in the last three years has reached 14. The latest purges have reduced the seven-member CMC to only two members, underscoring a shift in power dynamics.