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The Logic of China’s Careful Defense Industry Purge

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The Logic of China’s Careful Defense Industry Purge

Rather than a full-on anti-corruption effort, the targeting of certain defense officials is part of China’s larger plan to remake its military-industrial complex.

The Logic of China’s Careful Defense Industry Purge

Chinese military officers march through Tiananmen Square to attend a preparatory session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, March 4, 2024.

Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong

In August 2024, the former chairman of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) was investigated as part of China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign targeting the military-industrial sector. Reports indicated that this crackdown, which began in 2023, could impact the operational readiness of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the broader defense industry. 

However, the scope of the purge may be less severe than publicly perceived. Instead, it likely serves as a strategic move by top leader Xi Jinping to further strengthen China’s military power.

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