A sweeping purge ordered by Chinese leader Xi Jinping has removed or sidelined more than 100 senior officers since 2022, raising concerns about China’s military readiness, according to a new report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The report says 36 generals have been formally purged, while 65 others are missing or suspected of removal.
More than half of the People’s Liberation Army top leadership posts have been affected, creating unprecedented churn at the highest levels.
China's ongoing military corruption purges are leaving serious deficiencies in its command structure and are likely to have hampered the readiness of its rapidly modernising armed forces, a leading defence research centre said on Tuesday. https://t.co/NX09EvDvFF
— Reuters China (@ReutersChina) February 25, 2026
Analysts warn the loss of experienced commanders could limit Beijing’s ability to carry out complex operations, particularly against Taiwan.
Exercises near the island reportedly took longer to organize in 2025, suggesting strain within command structures.
While China retains options such as blockades, experts caution that fear-driven leadership could distort advice reaching Xi, increasing risks during a crisis.
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