China's Military Purges Create Command Deficiencies, Affect PLA Readiness: Report
China's extensive military corruption purges have resulted in significant deficiencies within the command structure of its armed forces and are likely impacting the operational readiness of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to a prominent defense research center.
Widespread Investigations Across Military Hierarchy
The purges, spearheaded by Chinese President Xi Jinping, have extended across multiple levels of the military establishment. These investigations have encompassed the supreme central military commission, theater commands, weapons procurement systems, development programs, and defense academic institutions.
According to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), these sweeping actions are expected to remain incomplete. The organization made these observations in its annual Military Balance survey released this week.
"From an organisational perspective, until the vacancies are filled, the PLA is operating with serious deficiencies in its command structure," the IISS stated in its comprehensive report.
High-Profile Cases and Command Reduction
The report follows disciplinary investigations that have ensnared China's two highest-ranking generals. Zhang Youxia, a long-time ally of President Xi, was placed under investigation in January, while He Weidong faced expulsion in October of last year.
This crackdown has dramatically reduced the seven-member supreme military command to just two active leaders: Xi Jinping himself and newly promoted vice chairman Zhang Shengmin. This represents a significant contraction in the PLA's top leadership structure.
Potential Impacts and Modernization Continuation
The IISS highlighted several concerning factors that could amplify the purges' effects. If personnel had been promoted through personal connections rather than merit, or if issues exist with faulty weapons systems and troop morale, "the purge is almost certain to have a near-term impact" on military effectiveness.
Despite these concerns, the report described the effects as "temporary" and noted that China's military modernization programs are expected to continue progressing. The country maintains an assertive military posture in the Indo-Pacific region, with particular emphasis on increased deployments around Taiwan in 2025 to support territorial claims and statecraft objectives.
Defense Spending and Regional Context
China's defense expenditures continue to significantly outpace other nations in Asia. The country's share of regional military spending has risen to nearly 44% in 2025, marking a substantial increase from the average of 37% recorded between 2010 and 2020.
This financial commitment occurs alongside the ongoing purges, creating a complex landscape where increased resources coincide with organizational disruptions.
Xi's Rare Public Comments on Purges
In a relatively uncommon public reference to the military investigations, President Xi addressed the PLA earlier this month through a virtual address. "The past year has been unusual and extraordinary," Xi stated. "The People's Army has deepened its political education, effectively addressed various risks and challenges, and undergone revolutionary forging in the fight against corruption."
The Chinese defense ministry has not provided an immediate response to the IISS study and its findings regarding command deficiencies and readiness concerns.
The ongoing situation presents a paradox of simultaneous military expansion and internal disruption, with the full consequences of these purges on China's military capabilities yet to be fully determined as the country continues its ambitious defense modernization programs amid significant organizational challenges.
