Xi Jinping’s Record Purges Hollow Out China’s Military Command Ahead of Fourth Term

Key points

• The fifth plenum saw 33 expulsions, the highest number in nearly 50 years, with attendance dropping to 279 members from 376 in 2022.
• The Central Military Commission, usually comprising seven members, now has only two: Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin, who was promoted to the Politburo.
• Xi’s anti-corruption campaign has punished 7.9 million officials since 2012, including high-profile figures like former foreign minister Qin Gang and military leader Zhang Youxia.
• Analysts debate whether the purges strengthen Xi’s authority by removing rivals or weaken the state by creating leadership vacuums in critical military and political roles.
• The plenum set the stage for the 21st Party Congress in late 2027, where Xi is expected to secure an unprecedented fourth term as general secretary.

Background

This latest purge follows a series of high-profile removals in 2026, including the elevation of General Zhang Shengmin to the Politburo to replace purged military leaders. Previous coverage highlighted the lowest attendance in Xi’s 14-year tenure and the consolidation of power ahead of the 2027 congress. The current actions are part of a broader strategy to enforce discipline and centralize control within the party’s complex organizational structure.

How outlets are covering it

ABC News frames the purges as a tool for Xi to centralize power and ensure loyalty, noting that even trusted aides have been removed to reinforce his authority. CNN emphasizes the isolation of Xi at the top, highlighting how the removal of senior figures leaves no apparent heir and creates a vacuum in the party’s leadership structure. The Guardian focuses on the scale of the expulsions and the resulting 'empty chairs' at the plenum, questioning whether the campaign is a genuine anti-corruption effort or a method to eliminate political rivals. All sources agree that the purges are unprecedented in scale and have significantly altered the party’s power dynamics.

Why it matters

The hollowing out of China’s military and political leadership raises questions about the country’s ability to execute its ambitious military expansion and maintain stability. The lack of senior figures to provide patronage or succession could impact governance capacity and international relations. Additionally, the purges demonstrate Xi’s willingness to use anti-corruption measures to eliminate potential challengers, reinforcing his grip on power ahead of his fourth term.

What to watch

The 21st Party Congress is expected in the second half of 2027, where Xi will likely secure a fourth term. The party will need to fill the numerous vacancies in the Central Committee and Politburo, but analysts suggest few suitable candidates remain due to the extensive purges. The focus will shift to how Xi manages the transition of power and maintains control over the military and party apparatus in the absence of traditional senior leadership.