The Global Story President Xi’s purges
May 13, 2026
Celia Hatton, BBC correspondent who spent 15 years in Beijing, explains Xi Jinping's sweeping military purges. She outlines who was removed and why. She explores motives like loyalty and succession. She examines links to technical failures, corruption and promotion-buying. She debates whether the moves signal consolidated control or reveal systemic instability.
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Purge Framed As Loyalty Consolidation
- The purge is primarily about loyalty and control, not just corruption, signalling Xi will remove anyone he deems disloyal.
- Observers describe it as an internal war on the military to ensure commanders answer to the party and Xi personally.
Timing Linked To Xi’s Succession Plans
- Timing may reflect Xi's personal timeline: at 72 and entering an unprecedented third term, he may be stacking loyal, younger cadres for eventual succession.
- Retaining control of the military while passing other titles would secure long-term influence.
Equipment Failures May Have Sparked Purge
- Technical failings in hardware may have triggered or justified the purge, with US-reported issues like missiles loaded with water implicating procurement and maintenance corruption.
- Faulty missiles and silo problems would force Xi to clean out those responsible for weapons procurement and upkeep.