- Since 2023, a total of 26 full generals have been placed under investigation, while another 12 have disappeared from public view.
- In 2024, former defence minister Li Shangfu was expelled from the party.
- In 2025, CMC members He Weidong and Miao Hua were expelled, and Zhang Shengmin was promoted to vice-chairman in October.
- In January 2026, CMC vice-chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Department chief Liu Zhenli were placed under investigation.
- As of August 2025, SCMP reported 20 key PLA positions reassigned, with 15 officers identified as apparent new leaders.
- Newly promoted full generals like Zhang Shuguang, Wang Gang, Yang Zhibin, and Han Shengyan have taken charge of key commands.
- Many other roles are filled by acting or unconfirmed lower-ranking officers.
- The latest round of reshuffling follows several years of sweeping anti-corruption purges that have reached the PLA’s highest ranks.
- Beijing has not formally announced many of the new leaders, indicating a reliance on acting or unconfirmed officers.
- Analysts suggest that the reliance on acting or unconfirmed leaders points to a narrower pool of trusted officers.
- Xi Jinping's military rebuild is still ongoing, with many positions unsettled after the purges.
China's military is undergoing significant changes as lower-ranking officers fill senior roles amid a sweeping anti-corruption campaign. Since 2023, 26 full generals have been investigated, with the air force gaining prominence in the reshuffle. Analysts note that nine of the 20 key positions reassigned went to air force officers, indicating a shift in power dynamics within the PLA.1
The rise of these officers, many promoted from within, suggests a cautious approach by President Xi Jinping. "The PLA is restoring day-to-day command and organisational continuity faster than Xi Jinping is rebuilding confidence in the officers now filling senior roles," said Nathan Attrill, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. This reliance on acting leaders reflects a narrower pool of trusted officers and uncertainty over future appointments.
The reshuffle follows years of purges that have decimated the PLA's leadership, leaving only two active members in the seven-member Central Military Commission. "If they perform well in this period, they will be allowed to stay. But if they cause any concerns, Xi will replace them," noted an analyst, highlighting the precarious nature of these appointments. The air force's rise could further weaken the army's dominance, a shift seen as necessary for modern warfare.
As the PLA navigates these changes, the focus remains on maintaining operational continuity while addressing the challenges posed by a less experienced leadership cadre.
“Since 2023, 26 full generals have been investigated and 12 have disappeared, leaving the CMC with only two active members. Analysts warn that acting leaders may hesitate in crises, as Xi prioritizes loyalty over experience, with the 21st Party Congress in 2027 set to produce a new line-up.”
The Star
