Corruption within China’s military is rampant, raising concerns about its readiness and modernization goals.
The military has been dealing with graft for a long time, but it’s also been growing and modernizing. Recently, there have been major purges, with a U.S. official saying this is just the beginning. These issues could really mess with China’s plans, especially regarding Taiwan.
The Pentagon’s latest report highlights that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is facing a wave of corruption investigations. This could disrupt their goals for modernization by 2027. Xi has made it clear that he wants the military ready for any potential moves on Taiwan.
Over the past year and a half, at least 15 high-ranking officers have been dismissed. Notably, Defense Minister Li Shangfu was removed over corruption allegations. The Rocket Force has also seen leadership changes due to fraud claims related to missile silos.
U.S. officials are skeptical about how these corruption issues will affect China’s military ambitions. They believe the current wave of investigations is just scratching the surface. The PLA’s rapid modernization has created an environment where corruption can thrive, raising concerns about its ability to meet military goals.
Despite these challenges, China’s military has made significant strides, acquiring advanced technology and increasing its naval capabilities. The ultimate aim of Xi’s anti-corruption campaign is to ensure the PLA can modernize on schedule, but it remains to be seen how these corruption issues will play out in the long run.
