Has Xi Jinping Lost Control of China's Military — And China Itself?

 Recent developments in China's military leadership have raised questions about the stability of Xi Jinping's control over the People's Liberation Army (PLA). On October 17, 2025, China removed several high-ranking military officers, including General He Weidong, a key ally of Xi. This event has sparked discussions about whether Xi is losing his grip on power amidst internal strife within the Communist Party.

1. Military Purge Details:

• Nine senior officers were dismissed from their military positions, with General He Weidong being the most notable departure. He was Xi's top enforcer, and his removal is significant.

• The announcement came just before the Fourth Plenary Session of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee, where crucial leadership and economic strategies are discussed.

2. Analysts' Perspectives:

• Analysts are divided on who orchestrated these purges. While some reports suggest that Xi was responsible for the dismissals to consolidate power, it is more likely that they were politically motivated actions against his loyalists.

• The removal of Xi's key supporters raises concerns about his stability. If the purges were part of a larger scheme by his adversaries, it signals a weakening of Xi’s political position.

3. Changing Dynamics within the PLA:

• The military's propaganda arm began promoting messages of "collective leadership," signaling discontent with Xi's authoritarian rule. This shift suggests growing dissent within the military ranks against Xi’s demand for total loyalty.

• Veterans and observers noted that the PLA is crucial in the power dynamics of the Communist Party, often serving as the ultimate enforcer of political authority. Xi's prior control over the military is now being questioned.

4. Impact on Xi Jinping's Leadership:

• The ongoing purges could indicate that Xi's control over the military is fracturing, potentially jeopardizing his position as party leader.

• Historically, purges of senior military leaders could lead to instability or resistance, indicating a lack of true control by Xi during these dismissals. The internal struggles within the Communist Party might pose an even greater threat to his authority.

5. Future Uncertainty:

• As the Fourth Plenary Session approaches, the potential for new leadership changes or further purges looms large. Experts suggest that Xi's position could become untenable if his enemies coordinate effectively.

• The outcome of these power struggles is critical not only for Xi's future but also for China's political landscape moving forward.

Xi Jinping's recent military purges have led to increasing speculation about his control over the PLA and his overall grip on the Chinese government. While some believe these moves signal Xi’s attempts to reaffirm authority, significant evidence suggests that this may instead indicate his declining power. As internal conflicts heighten, China could face a significant leadership transition, highlighting the fragile nature of Xi's rule. 

https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/21996/xi-losing-control-of-china