China sacks 9 senior military officers as Xi widens crackdown

Nine senior Chinese military officers were removed from their posts in February 2026 as part of President Xi Jinping’s expanding anti-corruption and loyalty crackdown within the People’s Liberation Army. The purge targets high-ranking officials in strategic divisions, including rocket forces and cyber warfare units, signaling Xi’s focus on consolidating control over critical defense sectors amid rising geopolitical tensions. Sources suggest the dismissals follow investigations into graft, incompetence, and potential disloyalty, with some officers linked to failed defense projects or unauthorized foreign contacts. This marks the largest military reshuffle since 2022, reinforcing Xi’s "absolute loyalty" doctrine ahead of potential conflicts over Taiwan or the South China Sea. Analysts warn the crackdown could disrupt military readiness, as experienced commanders are replaced with politically vetted but less tested officers.