China's Military Purge: Impact on Army and Taiwan's Future Unclear

• China is investigating its top general, Gen. Zhang Youxia, and Gen. Liu Zhenli for suspected serious violations, shaking up the Central Military Commission.
• This purge, described as one of the biggest in the People's Republic's history, leaves only one of six commission members intact, with President Xi Jinping as chair.
• The move is part of Xi's broader anti-corruption drive, which has punished over 200,000 officials since 2012, aiming to ensure military loyalty.
• Experts suggest the purge could weaken China's immediate military threat to Taiwan due to a 'high command in disarray' but strengthen it long-term with a more loyal leadership.
• The future of the Central Military Commission remains uncertain, with five vacant positions and no clear timeline for replacements.

Why It Matters: China's military leadership purge creates short-term instability but aims for long-term loyalty and strength.