Xi orders loyalty purge in military as China intensifies anti-corruption drive

SHANGHAI, March 7 – Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that the country’s armed forces must remain politically loyal to the ruling Communist Party of China and intensify efforts to eliminate corruption within the military, according to a report by the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Xi made the remarks as China’s top political leadership gathered for the country’s annual parliamentary meetings, where officials have also outlined economic priorities and policy targets for the year.“There is no place for corruption to hide,” Xi said, according to Xinhua. “The fight against corruption must move forward.”

Xi’s comments emphasised the importance of political discipline within the armed forces, which operate under the direct command of the Communist Party rather than the state.The president said the military must remain firmly aligned with party leadership while continuing efforts to identify and remove corrupt officials.China’s anti-corruption campaign has been a central element of Xi’s governance since he took office, targeting both civilian and military officials in what authorities describe as an effort to strengthen political discipline and governance standards.

The remarks came during the annual sessions of China’s top political bodies, a major gathering where senior officials present economic goals and policy priorities for the year ahead.This year’s meetings have drawn attention after two senior Chinese officials were absent from the opening session on Wednesday, when top Communist Party leaders convened for the start of the proceedings.Their absence followed a series of investigations and disciplinary actions affecting senior party cadres as part of an ongoing wave of anti-corruption purges.The developments have underscored the continued focus by the Chinese leadership on enforcing political loyalty and discipline across key institutions, including the military and the party’s upper ranks.