China’s Power Play: A Political Sacrifice Shakes the Elite

Beijing is navigating a period of internal turbulence marked by a sweeping military purge and questions surrounding the authority of President Xi Jinping, according to assessments from U.S. Officials and analysts. The developments, unfolding over the past several months, are prompting scrutiny of the stability within the Chinese leadership and its potential impact on the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) modernization goals.

The scale of the recent changes within the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s top military body, is notable. Newsweek reported in late 2025 that the CMC has shrunk to its smallest size in decades under Xi Jinping’s leadership. This downsizing, analysts say, reflects a deliberate effort to consolidate control and personalize power within the military structure. Jaehwan Lim, a professor of international politics at Japan’s Aoyama Gakuin University, described the situation as a sign of Xi Jinping’s attempts to personalize the control over the military.

The ongoing upheaval follows corruption probes within the PLA, prompting Xi Jinping to tighten his grip as he seeks to ensure loyalty and combat readiness, according to reports. This comes as China aims to achieve significant modernization goals by 2027. The timing is particularly sensitive given the ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan, which Xi Jinping has repeatedly stated his intention to incorporate into mainland China.

The nature of the recent dismissals is also raising eyebrows. Some of those removed from positions of power were previously considered loyalists to Xi Jinping, fueling speculation about a potential challenge to his authority. While the exact reasons behind the purge remain murky, as U.S. Officials have described it, the sheer number of changes suggests a significant internal rebalancing is underway.

The New York Times reported on February 3, 2026, that U.S. Officials are actively attempting to understand the motivations behind Xi Jinping’s dramatic actions. The situation is further complicated by a lack of transparency from Beijing, with the Chinese embassy in Washington declining to comment on the matter and inquiries to the Ministry of National Defense reportedly being rejected by the ministry server.

The developments are occurring against a backdrop of broader political shifts within China. Organiser.org reported in July 2025 that Xi Jinping was facing an erosion of power, citing his temporary disappearance from public view, the military purge, and economic difficulties as indicators of a potential leadership shake-up. These factors combined contribute to a narrative of increasing instability within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Analysts suggest that Xi Jinping’s agenda is focused on strengthening the PLA and enhancing its combat readiness. However, the methods employed to achieve these goals – namely, the centralization of control and the removal of potentially dissenting voices – are raising concerns about the long-term implications for China’s domestic governance and its international relations. The Diplomat noted in November 2025 that these shifts are worth tracking for the long-term implications they carry.

The situation is being closely monitored by international observers, particularly in light of China’s growing military and economic influence. The personalization of control under Xi Jinping, while aimed at improving the PLA’s effectiveness, also carries the risk of creating a system vulnerable to miscalculation and internal power struggles. The shrinking size of the CMC, as highlighted by Newsweek, underscores this trend and raises questions about the decision-making processes within the Chinese military establishment.

The implications of these internal dynamics extend beyond China’s borders. The ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the situation surrounding Taiwan, and China’s broader geopolitical ambitions are all potentially affected by the internal power struggles within the CCP and the PLA. The pursuit of modernization goals by 2027 is also a key factor, as a weakened or unstable military leadership could hinder China’s ability to achieve its objectives.

While the full extent of the current crisis remains unclear, the recent events signal a significant period of uncertainty for China. The combination of a military purge, questions about Xi Jinping’s authority, and broader economic challenges suggests that the country is facing a complex and potentially volatile situation. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term consequences of these developments for China and the wider world.