A recent U.S. intelligence report claims that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s massive anti-corruption effort within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is intended to modernise the military in anticipation of a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027.
Up to 65% of Chinese government officials are involved in bribery or corruption, according to a report released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). This has been a major worry for Xi since he came to office in 2012.
Nearly 5 million officials have been charged with graft throughout his reign, suggesting a structural problem in the military and administration.
According to the article, Xi’s emphasis on combating corruption in the PLA is linked to military preparedness in addition to internal governance.
The sincerity of Xi’s efforts to guarantee loyalty and competence in the military is demonstrated by high-profile dismissals, such as Admiral Miao Hua, who monitored political loyalty within the PLA, and General Li Shangfu, the former defence minister. Deep-seated worries that corruption may impair the PLA’s ability to conduct operations as it prepares for a possible battle over Taiwan are reflected in these efforts.
In keeping with U.S. assessments that this timeline indicates an intention to be prepared for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027, Xi declared an objective in October 2020 for the PLA to become a “modern military” by that year.
According to the DNI analysis, Xi has amassed more than $1 billion in assets through family ties, which further muddies China’s political situation.
As U.S. authorities continue to keep an eye on China’s military developments and plan responses to Beijing’s increasing assertiveness in the region, the report’s implications are important not only for Taiwan but also for international relations.
