Xi's Military Purge Fallout: Steadying China’s Command

President Xi Jinping's meeting with a streamlined military delegation follows a major purge of senior PLA officials, reflecting his consolidation of power. General Zhang Shengmin emphasizes party loyalty and modernization of military capabilities. China's increased defense budget aims to modernize forces amid domestic and international challenges.

President Xi Jinping attended a meeting with a streamlined military delegation at China's annual parliamentary session, marking his first engagement since the sweeping removal of top People's Liberation Army (PLA) officials, including Gen Zhang Youxia, the former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

In the wake of this significant shake-up within the PLA, Gen Zhang Shengmin, now the only remaining senior officer alongside Xi on the CMC, issued a firm statement emphasizing loyalty to the Communist Party's core and obedience to Xi's command. He also pushed for military modernization and strategic improvements in combat training.

Amid these internal restructurings, China recently increased its defense budget by 7%, elevating its spending to 1.91 trillion yuan. This move comes despite the country's reduced GDP growth targets, indicating a strategic pivot toward bolstering military capabilities against the backdrop of economic challenges.