Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated that internal disagreements within the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) are inevitable. However, the party must “turn the blade inward” to enforce discipline, as part of a newly publicized call to eradicate corrupt officials.
These remarks were made during an anti-corruption meeting in January but were only published on December 16, 2024, in the CPC’s main political journal Qiushi.
“As the party’s tasks and circumstances evolve, various conflicts and problems are bound to arise within the party,” Xi said. “We must have the courage to turn the blade inward and eliminate their negative impact in a timely manner to ensure the party remains vibrant and full of vitality.”
Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has made an uncompromising anti-corruption campaign a hallmark of his leadership, aiming both to consolidate his authority within the party and to restore public trust.
It was brought about by a major political scandal involving former Chongqing Party chief Bo Xilai, which underscored the widespread corruption within the party.
This initiative, often known as the “tigers and flies” campaign, aims to identify high-ranking officials and lower-level administrators involved in corrupt practices.
The campaign has been institutionalized through a variety of programs that are designed to improve the party’s supervision and discipline. This involves rigorous regulations regarding official conduct, including prohibitions on ostentatious spending and gift-giving, as well as routine inspections.
Nevertheless, corruption persists, particularly in the military. Over the past two years, two former defense ministers were expelled from the party for “serious disciplinary violations,” a term often used as a euphemism for corruption.
Xi’s newly published comments suggest a renewed and broader crackdown on officials seeking personal gain and those misleading the party.
High-Level Corruption Cases
By 2023, the campaign had resulted in the disciplining of more than 2.3 million officials, including a number of high-profile figures, such as former defense ministers and senior military officials. Approximately 610,000 party officials were disciplined for violations, including 49 senior officials above the deputy minister or provincial governor level, according to the CPC’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has also extended to the military. In recent years, the campaign removed powerful generals from rival factions, replacing them with loyalists.
Case of Admiral Miao Hua
In late November 2024, Xi dismissed one of his close military allies, Admiral Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Miao, previously responsible for ensuring political loyalty and vetting high-ranking military appointments, is under investigation for “serious disciplinary violations.”
Miao, who had close ties to Xi dating back three decades to the latter’s early political career in Fujian province, is the most senior figure in the latest military purge. Since mid-2023, 13 senior military officials, including two defense ministers, have been removed from their posts.
Despite being a staunch Xi loyalist, Miao’s dismissal raises concerns about corruption and trust issues within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Broader Implications
Xi’s military reforms aim to transform the PLA into a “world-class” force capable of rivaling the U.S. military, with a particular focus on preparedness for a potential conflict over Taiwan. However, corruption and internal factionalism remain significant obstacles.
Experts speculate that Miao’s downfall could also stem from his efforts to create a faction within the military or from Xi’s desire to prevent any potential rival power bases.
Xi’s Resolve
Xi remains determined to continue his anti-corruption crusade, recently inspecting the PLA’s Information Support Forces with his remaining four CMC allies. Addressing the officers, Xi reiterated: “We must ensure that our troops remain absolutely loyal, absolutely clean, and absolutely reliable.”
The campaign underscores Xi’s commitment to consolidating his leadership and addressing systemic issues within both the party and the military.
Impact on Military Operations
Frequent personnel turnover has been the consequence of the ongoing purges, which may compromise the PLA’s operational efficiency and long-term planning. The military’s capacity to execute strategic objectives and develop advanced capabilities may be impeded by such instability, according to experts. For example, concerns regarding the military’s overall readiness and dependability have been exacerbated by matters such as corruption in critical sectors, such as the Rocket Force, which is responsible for China’s nuclear arsenal.
Fear has been instilled in military personnel by the campaign, which presents a significant risk of abrupt dismissal. This environment has the potential to depress morale, which could discourage initiative and open communication among colleagues. Analysts have suggested that the emphasis on loyalty to the Communist Party may prioritize political allegiance over competence, which could potentially erode operational capabilities, despite the necessity of eradicating corruption.
Although there are arguments that addressing corruption could ultimately improve the PLA’s efficacy by cultivating a more disciplined force, the immediate repercussions of purges may undermine this potential. The prioritization of fealty may result in promotions that are more influenced by political alignment than by merit, which could potentially lead to unqualified leadership in critical military positions.