Xi’s Military Purges Signal Unease Over China’s Nuclear Forces
In a move that has alarmed global defense analysts, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent military purges highlight deepening concerns about the reliability of China’s nuclear forces. Over the past year, Beijing has discreetly removed multiple high-ranking officials from the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF), the elite unit managing China’s expanding nuclear arsenal. Observers interpret these dismissals as a sign of Xi’s distrust in military loyalty and operational effectiveness—raising red flags as China accelerates its nuclear modernization.
The Purge: Corruption Crackdown or Command Crisis?
The most notable figure ousted was General Li Yuchao, former PLARF commander, who disappeared from public view in mid-2023 without explanation. Since then, at least a dozen senior Rocket Force officers have been disciplined or removed. While Beijing cites “corruption” as the official reason, analysts suspect deeper issues—such as espionage fears, incompetence, or internal dissent.
“This is less about graft and more about Xi securing absolute control over China’s most strategic military branch,” says Dr. Manoj Joshi, defense analyst at the Observer Research Foundation. “With nuclear ambitions at stake, Xi won’t tolerate uncertainty.”
China’s Nuclear Expansion Under Xi’s Watch
The purges coincide with China’s fastest-ever nuclear buildup, targeting 1,000+ warheads by 2030. The PLARF has spearheaded this push, deploying advanced missiles like the DF-41 (intercontinental-range) and constructing 300+ new silos in desert regions. However, the leadership purge suggests Xi may doubt the force’s ability to handle such power responsibly.
Western reports highlight weaknesses in China’s nuclear command structure. Unlike the U.S. and Russia, China’s protocols are more decentralized—potentially fueling Xi’s fears of unauthorized launches or security leaks.
Global Implications: A Less Predictable China?
Xi’s actions reinforce his reputation for eliminating rivals and demanding total loyalty. A shaky nuclear command could make China more unpredictable, especially in crises involving Taiwan, the South China Sea, or U.S. tensions.
“If Xi distrusts his own generals, how can adversaries trust China’s nuclear decisions?” warns Commodore Seshadri Vasan, a former Indian naval officer.
What Comes Next?
With a new “loyalty inspection” campaign announced across China’s military, more purges are likely. Meanwhile, the PLARF’s modernization continues—but leadership turmoil may delay timelines or trigger instability.
Xi’s moves reveal rare internal vulnerabilities in China’s authoritarian system. As Beijing races to rival the U.S. in nuclear capability, the world watches closely, aware that China’s military distrust could have global consequences.
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews
