China’s Xi Jinping has undertaken a major shakeup of his top military brass, ousting several high-ranking commanders and appointing battle-hardened generals in a bid to transform the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a formidable force ready for potential conflict, particularly focusing on the prospect of invading Taiwan, according to military analysts. Gordon Chang, a senior fellow at the Gatestone Institute, asserted that Xi’s restructuring is aimed at regaining control and instilling a fighting spirit within the officer corps.

Chang highlighted a prevailing sentiment that many Chinese general officers may lack the desire for actual combat, leading to a force with mixed feelings about engaging in warfare. Xi’s military overhaul has been an ongoing process since the beginning of his leadership, marked by personnel changes, efforts to improve public perception, and a complete restructuring of the military hierarchy. The latest wave of dismissals, occurring on December 29, involved the removal of nine senior officers, prompting speculation about Xi’s motives.

Contrary to some experts who view the purge as a measure to eliminate political adversaries and combat corruption, Chang contends that the mass removal indicates a strategic move to rid the military of officers deemed unprepared for war. He cited the case of former Chinese Air Force General Liu Yazhou, who received a suspended death sentence after speaking out against a potential invasion of Taiwan.

Joel Wuthnow, an expert on Chinese military affairs, suggested that Xi’s recent actions indicate a lack of confidence in the military’s capabilities and a determination to reshape it ahead of potential military actions. China’s recent assertiveness in the South China Sea, near collisions with American surveillance planes, and military activities in the Himalayas and Taiwan Strait have heightened concerns among neighbouring countries.

Tensions with Taiwan, in particular, have escalated, with China considering the island as part of its territory and expressing a commitment to reunification by force if necessary. Xi’s New Year message emphasised China’s determination to reunify, and he warned against supporting Taiwanese independence. Analysts, including Chang, view these statements as potential precursors to war, with Chang drawing parallels to historical events leading to global conflicts.

Citing geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine, conflicts in Gaza, military activities in the Red Sea, and insurgencies in Africa, Chang speculated on the possibility of these elements converging into a global conflict akin to World War II. He likened Xi’s approach to Mao’s Peasant Revolution playbook, interpreting Xi’s focus on various regions as encircling cities from the countryside, where the United States is seen as the city in this geopolitical analogy. The situation raises concerns about the potential for a broader conflict, with Xi Jinping’s actions fueling fears of a global showdown.