Xi's Purge: End of Collective Military Rule

Xi Jinping’s new Chairman Responsibility System ends collective military rule. The purge of top generals like Zhang Youxia cements absolute control over China’s armed forces.

The purges in the PLA serve Xi Jinping as a means of concentrating his power within the army and ensuring the loyalty of leading officers. Targeted dismissals and restructuring are reducing the scope for action of the previous military leadership, while the Chairman Responsibility System gives Xi Jinping direct control over all key positions. This creat…