Fresh doubts about China’s ability to invade Taiwan
How corruption in the PLA is changing the calculations of analysts
SINCE TAKING power in 2012, Xi Jinping has worked to purge corruption from the ranks of China’s armed forces. The country’s ability to fight and win wars depends on this effort, he has said. But even Mr Xi’s protégés, appointed to restore order, seem to be part of the rot. The latest sign came on November 28th, when the defence ministry announced that Admiral Miao Hua, one of China’s most senior officers (pictured, in white), had been suspended pending investigation for “serious violations of discipline”, often a euphemism for corruption. Ostracism or imprisonment will probably follow.
Explore more
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Bribes and brass”
From the December 7th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the edition
China’s leaders reveal their plan to cope with 2025
Beating trade wars and deflation and boosting science are priorities
This week is a moment of truth for Xi Jinping on deflation
The budget will show how the Party plans to tackle the dangers China faces
The AfD’s unusual China connection
Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s AfD, spent six years in the People’s Republic
Who works where, doing what, in China
A surprising new census shows a workforce being transformed
Could there be Chinese troops in Europe?
China’s leaders now talk of “a window of opportunity for peace”
Chinese authorities try to stop parents gaming the exam system (again)
They will go to great lengths to try