On October 17, 2025, China executed a significant purge within its People’s Liberation Army, expelling nine senior officials, including Vice Chairman He Weidong, amidst allegations of corruption. This unprecedented crackdown is seen as part of President Xi Jinping’s strategy to consolidate control over the military and enhance discipline ahead of key political events, particularly given the ongoing tensions with Taiwan and India. General Zhang Shengmin, a key figure in the anti-corruption campaign, was promoted to the second-ranking position in the Central Military Commission, indicating a shift towards prioritizing loyalty and political reliability within the PLA. This development raises concerns regarding potential internal dissent and the future cohesion of China’s military establishment during a time of heightened geopolitical challenges.