Xi Jinping purges top Chinese generals, hampering military modernization plans
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Since becoming "president for life" in 2023, Xi Jinping has intensified his abrupt removal and sacking of officials, with a focus on the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
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In the latest move, 9 high-ranking PLA officers were dismissed from China's legislative body, signaling impending disciplinary action. Among them were 5 top generals from the Rocket Force nuclear unit.
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The purge has dealt a blow to Xi's efforts to modernize China's military and cast doubt on oversight of equipment procurement, even as China competes with the U.S.
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Analysts compare the abrupt sackings and disappearances under Xi to Stalin's purges in the Soviet Union, with profound global implications.
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The purge has left China's nuclear Rocket Force temporarily weakened, hampering its Taiwan contingency plans. Cleaning up military corruption remains a Sisyphean task for Xi.