As The New York Times writes, at the beginning of 2023, China had at least 30 generals and admirals heading specialized departments and operational area commands. “Almost all of them were expelled or disappeared in Xi Jinping's sweeping purge. In some cases, Xi appointed new generals to replace them. But many of them also disappeared,” note American journalists.
How many generals and admirals were named by Xi Jinping?
Who remained on the Central Military Commission?
What is the position of General Zhang Shengmin?
Do we know why Xi Jinping is purging the army?
Purges in the Chinese army
The fall of General Zhang and General Liu Zhenli, who simultaneously lost their positions, deprived the Central Military Commission of key figures responsible for preparing forces for combat. Although many lower-ranking officers are involved in planning military operations, the sudden loss of two of the most important operational commanders could, according to analysts, weaken Xi's confidence in the Chinese army.
Currently, the only general left on the Central Military Commission is Zhang Shengmin. He is the one who oversees Xi's military purges and is responsible for maintaining political discipline in the army. For most of his career, General Zhang served as an anti-corruption officer and inspector of political discipline in the Missile Forces, which controls, among others, Chinese programs responsible for the development of nuclear and conventional missiles. It is not known why the Chinese leader decided to purge the army.
As government propaganda assures, the Chinese army will emerge even stronger from this ordeal. Before this happens, however, Xi Jinping must find a new group of trusted generals on whom he can rely.
According to data from the Military Compare website, China has approximately 2 million soldiers of various formations and approximately 510,000 in active service. reservists.
