Xi's Military Purge: China's Army Staring At 'Unprecedented' Leadership Vacuum, Think Tank Warns

A recent analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) highlights significant leadership challenges facing the Chinese military due to President Xi Jinping's rigorous anti-corruption campaign. More than 50% of senior leadership positions within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have been affected, leading to concerns regarding the army's operational readiness in the near term. This extensive purge, aimed at rooting out corruption within the ranks, has left a leadership vacuum that experts warn could hinder the military's effectiveness. The ongoing reshuffle amid a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region has raised alarms about the PLA's ability to respond to potential conflicts. The situation underscores the delicate balance Xi must maintain between enforcing discipline within the military and ensuring that it remains prepared for external challenges, especially given China's assertive posture in territorial disputes. As the anti-corruption drive continues, the implications for China's military capabilities and strategic posture could be profound, necessitating close scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.