Xi Jinping Emphasizes Absolute Loyalty of the Military at the Two Sessions: The PLA's Anti-Corruption Storm Continues to Escalate in 2026

On March 7, 2026, during the National People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech to the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Armed Police Force, reiterating that the military must ensure absolute political loyalty to the Communist Party of China and calling for a resolute advancement of the anti-corruption struggle. This speech occurred against the backdrop of an expanding purge within the PLA's upper echelons, marking the most severe and extensive political rectification campaign the Chinese military has experienced since the reform and opening up.

According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi explicitly stated in his speech: "There must be no one in the military who has a divided heart towards the Party." He emphasized that since 2012, the Party has deepened the political rectification of the military with "unprecedented determination and strength," achieving "significant results." Xi also specifically pointed out: "Corrupt elements must have no place to hide, and the anti-corruption struggle must be resolutely advanced." These statements reflect the top leadership's high concern regarding loyalty within the military and their firm determination to continue deepening the anti-corruption campaign.

The timing of this speech is quite significant. Just two weeks prior, on February 26, the National People's Congress dismissed 10 PLA officers from their positions as representatives. Although the NPC did not publicly explain the reasons for the dismissals, according to Chinese political conventions, this usually indicates that the individuals involved are facing serious disciplinary or legal issues. The 10 dismissed officers include former Navy Commander General Shen Jinlong, former Navy Political Commissar General Qin Shengxiang, and five former senior officers who led the Army, Air Force, and Information Support Force. Notably, two commanders from the 73rd Group Army stationed in Fujian, which directly faces the Taiwan Strait and holds significant strategic importance, were also among those dismissed. Additionally, three generals serving in Central Military Commission-level institutions were also removed.

According to an analysis by "Diplomat" magazine, this large-scale purge exhibits clear characteristics of a "domino effect." The dismissed officers are often professionally linked to previously purged generals. For instance, the tenures of former Navy Commander Shen Jinlong and Political Commissar Qin Shengxiang (2017-2021) coincided with the rise of Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, who was suddenly purged in January 2026. Under the leadership of Shen and Qin, the Chinese Navy underwent significant expansion in fleet size and operational capability, but these professional connections and personal relationship networks may ultimately have contributed to their involvement in the purge.

The impact of this purge on the internal dynamics of the PLA is becoming evident. The size of the PLA delegation to the National People's Congress has sharply decreased from 281 members in 2023 to 243 this year, a reduction of over 13%. This change in numbers visually reflects the extent of the shock experienced by the military's upper echelons. More seriously, this ongoing investigation and purge may be undermining the PLA's combat readiness and the morale of its officer corps. Particularly for frontline combat units like the 73rd Group Army, the frequent turnover of commanders and ongoing investigations will inevitably affect the cohesion and readiness of the troops.

From a strategic perspective, Xi's speech during the Two Sessions conveys several key signals. First, the anti-corruption campaign will continue to deepen, with no signs of ending. Since Xi came to power in 2012, the anti-corruption campaign has lasted for 14 years, with the military becoming a key target in recent years. The fall of the PLA's highest-ranking leaders last year and the large-scale dismissals in February this year indicate that this campaign is not winding down but rather escalating further.

Second, political loyalty is placed at the forefront of military construction. Xi repeatedly emphasizes "absolute loyalty" and "the Party's comprehensive leadership over the military," reflecting the top leadership's concerns about potential centrifugal tendencies within the military. In a critical period for China's defense modernization and military preparedness, ensuring absolute loyalty within the military is seen as a prerequisite for achieving military objectives.

Third, the purge may continue to expand. According to "Diplomat's" analysis, early purge cases are creating ripple effects within the military, with more active and retired officers being drawn into investigations due to their connections with purged individuals. This "guilt by association" purge model suggests that more officers may fall in the coming months.

It is noteworthy that despite the unprecedented intensity of the anti-corruption campaign, China's defense budget continues to grow steadily. According to data released this week, China's defense budget for 2026 will increase by approximately 7%, reaching 1.9 trillion yuan (about $270 billion), slightly lower than the average annual growth rate of about 7.2% over the past three years. This indicates that, despite the upheaval at the top of the military, China's long-term strategy for advancing defense modernization has not been substantively affected.

However, the ongoing purge also brings potential risks. Frequent personnel changes may impact the continuity and stability of the military, especially in key operational command positions. The turnover of commanders in frontline units like the 73rd Group Army may affect combat preparedness regarding strategic directions such as Taiwan. Additionally, the expanding scope of investigations may create insecurity among the officer corps, affecting troop morale and cohesion.

From a broader political perspective, the military's anti-corruption efforts are also an important means for Xi to consolidate power and eliminate potential political rivals. Through the ongoing anti-corruption campaign, Xi not only ensures the military's absolute loyalty but also further strengthens his core position within the Party, government, and military system. As Xi enters his 14th year in power, this anti-corruption campaign has become a key tool for maintaining political authority and ensuring regime stability.

Looking ahead, the anti-corruption storm within the PLA is unlikely to end in the short term. Xi's speech at the Two Sessions clearly conveys a "zero tolerance" message, and the large-scale dismissals on February 26 may only be the tip of the iceberg. As investigations deepen, more officers connected to purged individuals may be implicated. For the Chinese military, how to maintain stability and combat capability while sustaining a high-pressure anti-corruption stance will be a severe challenge.

In the context of heightened international tensions and a sensitive situation in the Taiwan Strait, this political storm within the PLA not only relates to the progress of China's defense modernization but may also have far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics. Defense observers from various countries will closely monitor the subsequent developments of this purge and its actual impact on China's military capabilities and strategic intentions.