Beijing’s military establishment is bracing for turbulence. A sweeping purge in China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on February 26, 2026, removed 10 high-ranking officers from their positions as deputies in the National People’s Congress (NPC). This move, detailed in a report by The Diplomat, hints at deepening instability that could cripple PLA operations by 2026.
The purge targeted five veteran leaders from the army, navy, air force, and another key unit. Two officers linked to the 73rd Group Army in Fujian Province, overseeing Taiwan-related operations, were ousted alongside three generals from Central Military Commission (CMC)-level organizations. Chinese political norms suggest such removals signal severe repercussions for those involved.
Analysis reveals connections to previously purged generals, triggering a domino effect ensnaring both active and retired personnel. Retired Admiral Shen Jinlong, who commanded the PLA Navy from 2017 to 2021, and Admiral Qin Shengxiang were among those dismissed. Shen rose from squadron leader with vast operational experience, while Qin spent much of his career in CMC roles before his 2017 ouster as PLA Navy political commissar.
Under their watch, China’s navy expanded dramatically in fleet size and capabilities. Yet, professional ties to Zhang Youxia, abruptly removed from CMC vice chairmanship in late January 2026, likely sealed their fate. This wave builds on earlier purges in 2025 and January 2026, involving top generals like Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli.
The fallout threatens frontline readiness, particularly in Taiwan-facing units like the 73rd Group Army. Mounting investigations could erode officer morale, weaken leadership, and expose operational vulnerabilities. As the anti-corruption drive since 2022 intensifies, more military figures may fall, signaling Xi Jinping’s unrelenting grip on the PLA amid rising internal pressures.