Xi's latest military purge could affect China's Taiwan plans

China removed Generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Central Military Commission, leaving the body reduced to two members; analysts say the purge tightens Xi Jinping's control and may change how Beijing approaches Taiwan.

China removed two senior generals from the Central Military Commission amid a long-running anti-corruption campaign, reducing the commission to two members including Xi Jinping. The dismissals follow a push by Xi to accelerate PLA modernization to 2027 and come alongside pointed commentary in the PLA Daily. Commentators and analysts have highlighted that one of the removed officers, General Zhang Youxia, was a rare combat-experienced voice at the top of the military. Taiwan's authorities say they are monitoring the leadership changes closely. Key reported developments: - Generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were removed from the Central Military Commission, leaving it with only two members, one of whom is Xi Jinping. - The People's Liberation Army Daily said the two had "seriously trampled on and undermined" the system of ultimate responsibility under Xi, linking the removals to political and corruption problems within the military. - Analysts such as Drew Thompson and researchers at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute reported the purge concentrates power around Xi and removes a senior, combat-experienced adviser from the decision-making circle. - The ASPI assessment noted that purges at this level often signal doubt about military readiness rather than confidence, and that the move may increase the risk of sharper coercive pressure short of invasion. - Taiwan's defence ministry said it is closely monitoring "abnormal changes" at the top levels of China's party, government and military, and Defence Minister Wellington Koo reiterated that China has not abandoned the use of force against Taiwan. Summary: The removals tighten Xi Jinping's control of the PLA's top leadership and remove a senior officer with combat experience, which analysts say could affect the quality of military advice reaching China's leader. Taiwan and outside observers report continued monitoring of Beijing's shifts; what course Beijing will take next is undetermined at this time.