China's Military: Xi's Purges Undermine Combat Effectiveness (warontherocks.com)

• Xi's purges prioritize loyalty over competence.
• Historical examples show successful, independent commanders.
• The PLA may lose tactical flexibility.

"The article argues that Xi Jinping's emphasis on political loyalty, coupled with purges of experienced officers, weakens the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) combat effectiveness. Historical examples, such as a young commander's victory in the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, show that the Maoist era produced competent, risk-taking leaders. In contrast, Xi fosters a system that prioritizes obedience over initiative, potentially eroding China's long-term military capability."