BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized Saturday that complete political allegiance within the armed forces must be guaranteed while demanding continued aggressive action against corruption as military purges expand.
“There must be no one in the military who harbors disloyalty to the (ruling Communist) Party,” Xi stated in comments released by the official Xinhua News Agency.
The Chinese leader delivered these remarks during a full assembly of China’s People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police Force delegation while the nation conducts its yearly “two sessions” gatherings of the primary legislature and main political advisory council.
Xi’s anti-corruption initiative, which has persisted for over ten years, continues without signs of slowing down. Military leadership has become a primary focus in recent years, culminating in the dismissal of the top general last month, as Xi works to restructure and update the nation’s defense forces.
Experts suggest the initiative also serves as Xi’s method of eliminating possible challengers and guaranteeing complete devotion from his officials during his 14th year leading the country.
The National People’s Congress recently removed nine military personnel last week, including two serving under the Central Military Commission, the armed forces’ supreme governing body, along with officials from ground forces, naval operations, aviation units, and missile divisions. Additionally, three generals were expelled from China’s primary political advisory organization this week.
“There must be no hiding place for corrupt individuals,” Xi stated according to Xinhua on Saturday. “The fight against corruption must be resolutely pushed forward.”
Chinese officials also announced this week a 7% increase in defense spending for the current year, reaching approximately 1.9 trillion yuan ($270 billion), representing a slight decrease from the roughly 7.2% yearly growth seen over the previous three years.
