Xi Jinping Urges Stronger Military Anti-Corruption Drive

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for a stronger anti-corruption drive in the military while urging faster modernization of the country's armed forces ahead of the 99th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Speaking at a Politburo meeting, Xi said China's military must remain firmly under the leadership of the Communist Party and continue improving its combat capabilities.

He also emphasized the need to build a more advanced and intelligent military by expanding the use of unmanned technologies and cyber-information systems.

His remarks come as Beijing continues to reform the PLA amid ongoing corruption investigations and rising geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

Why is Xi Strengthening the Military Anti-Corruption Campaign?

Addressing senior Communist Party leaders, Xi stressed that the military must always remain loyal to the Party, saying, "The barrel of the gun must always obey the party's command." He urged military leaders to intensify efforts against corruption while ensuring that reforms strengthen the effectiveness of China's armed forces.

Highlights:

• Xi Jinping called for a deeper anti-corruption campaign in China's military while stressing the Communist Party's control over the armed forces.
• China will accelerate military modernization, with greater focus on unmanned technologies, cyber systems, and combat readiness.

Xi also said combat readiness should remain the central measure of military modernization. According to China's state news agency Xinhua, he called for the development of an intelligent military system by increasing the use of unmanned technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced cyber-information capabilities.

The latest comments come as China continues a broad anti-corruption campaign within the PLA. In recent years, several senior military officials have been investigated or removed from their positions as Beijing seeks to improve discipline and operational efficiency across its defence establishment.

Modernization Remains a Strategic Priority

Xi's remarks come just before the PLA marks its 99th anniversary, a milestone that also draws attention to the military's upcoming centenary in 2027. Chinese leaders have repeatedly identified that year as an important target for advancing military modernization and strengthening national defence capabilities.

Recent international assessments have suggested that corruption has affected the PLA's command structure and operational readiness. A report released earlier this year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said ongoing anti-corruption investigations have exposed weaknesses in leadership and military preparedness.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Pentagon previously assessed that China wanted its military capable of winning a conflict involving Taiwan by 2027. More recent U.S. intelligence assessments, however, indicate that Beijing currently prefers to achieve reunification with Taiwan without resorting to military force.

China continues to regard Taiwan as part of its territory and has never ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels regularly operate around Taiwan, keeping regional tensions elevated.

Xi's latest message reinforces Beijing's dual focus on eliminating corruption while building a technologically advanced military capable of supporting China's long-term strategic ambitions.