Xi Jinping’s anticorruption drive sweeps up senior Chinese military chiefs

Thousands of Chinese government officials gathered in Beijing for the two sessions.

“Taipei, Taiwan – As thousands of Chinese government officials gathered in Beijing for China’s annual legislative meetings known as the “two sessions” this month, at least a dozen active and retired military officers were absent from the proceedings”

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At least a dozen active and retired military officers were absent from the proceedings.

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General Zhang Youxia was among the absentees and is under investigation since late January for 'suspected serious violations of discipline and law', according to Xinhua.

Zhang is one of the highest-ranking officials swept up in Xi’s anticorruption drive.

Xi launched the initiative shortly after rising to power in 2012, setting off an unprecedented anticorruption storm that targeted both high-flying 'tigers' and lower-level 'flies' across China’s state, military, and Communist Party apparatus, according to a Xinhua report last year.

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Recent government reports indicate that Xi has embarked on a renewed sweep through the military leadership of the PLA; this time, the net appears wider, including operational commanders, members of the Central Military Commission and political commissars, and commanders across the PLA’s five military theatres and various branches.

The shake-up reflects Xi’s long-running dissatisfaction with the PLA’s management, and experts say the removals extend beyond the Central Military Commission to senior officers across the system.

“Taipei, Taiwan – As thousands of Chinese government officials gathered in Beijing for China’s annual legislative meetings known as the “two sessions” this month, at least a dozen active and retired military officers were absent from the proceedings”

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A CSIS China Power Project estimate puts about 100 senior PLA officers purged or potentially purged since 2022, including 36 generals and lieutenant generals, and 65 officers missing or potentially purged based on their absence from important meetings.

Zhang and Liu Zhenli were two of the most high-profile cases, and Kunihiko Miyake noted that only two of seven CMC members remain, including Xi Jinping.

In-Bum Chun cautioned that the changes could indicate internal health issues or concerns about loyalty and could affect morale.

The shake-up unfolds as Beijing signals growing determination toward Taiwan.

The Government Work Report shows annexation remains a top priority, with analysts noting Beijing’s growing confidence to accelerate unification, including through more coercive means.

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The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command carried out the 'Justice Mission 2025' exercises around Taiwan in December 2025, and joint combat readiness patrols and grey-zone activities have continued into 2026.

Retired US Admiral Philip Davidson estimated the PLA could launch a campaign against Taiwan by 2027, and Crisis Group’s William Yang said the Work Report shows Beijing’s growing confidence and intent to press ahead with unification, including coercive measures.