Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a stern warning, emphasizing that there is "no place" in the military for those who are "disloyal" to the ruling Communist Party. Xi's remarks were made during a plenary meeting with the delegation of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), as reported by state media.
According to Anadolu Agency, Xi stressed the importance of leveraging the unique strengths of enhancing political loyalty within the military. He underscored that there should be no tolerance for corrupt elements within the ranks. Xi called for unwavering advancement in the fight against corruption and urged for concerted efforts to modernize national defense and the armed forces in a steady and sustained manner.
Xi highlighted the achievements made since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, noting that the party has led the armed forces to improve political rectification and advance political loyalty within the military with unprecedented resolve and intensity. He mentioned that significant results have been achieved in this regard.
As the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) begins, Xi emphasized the necessity of establishing rigorous rules for strict oversight. He stated that key areas such as fund flows, the exercise of power, and quality control need to be closely monitored to ensure accountability and integrity.
This announcement follows investigations into the top two PLA generals, Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli, for 'suspected serious disciplinary and legal violations' earlier this year. US media reports have suggested that Zhang was accused of leaking nuclear secrets to Washington.
Furthermore, last month saw the removal of Liu Cangli, former head of the China Academy of Engineering Physics; Luo Qi, chief engineer of the China National Nuclear Corporation; and Zhou Xinmin, former chair of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, as reported by the South China Morning Post daily.