China Insider China Insider | PLA Purges, Passing of Dr. Chen Ning Yang, China Hawks and Doves
Oct 21, 2025
This week’s discussion dives into the mass purge of nine high-ranking PLA officials, revealing Xi Jinping's intent to consolidate power. It highlights the alarming effects of fear on the PLA's combat readiness. The podcast also commemorates Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Chen Ning Yang and his complex legacy, including his relationship with the CCP during turbulent times. Lastly, it tackles the contentious debate regarding 'China Hawk' rhetoric in U.S.-China relations and the need to prioritize national security over short-term business interests.
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Purges Reflect Power, Not Just Corruption
- Xi's purge of PLA generals likely reflects internal power struggles more than pure anti-corruption drives.
- Purges show the CCP prioritizes monopoly of power over wealth, causing repeated purification cycles.
Dual Vice-Chairs Created Dangerous Overlap
- Xi's unusual dual vice-chair appointments created overlapping operational authority and internal competition.
- That overlap likely produced clashes prompting Xi to remove some promoted officers to reassert control.
Purges Make PLA More Brittle
- Fear from purges suppresses initiative and innovation throughout the PLA chain of command.
- That institutionalized caution makes the force less flexible and degrades combat effectiveness.