Top PLA General Demands Unwavering Loyalty to Xi Amidst Military Purge

• A top PLA general called on the military to resolutely obey President Xi Jinping's command during the annual parliament session.
• This directive follows a major purge of the PLA's top brass, including the removal of Gen Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
• Gen Zhang Shengmin, the last standing general of the six-member CMC, emphasized political rectification, fighting corruption, and strengthening loyalty to Xi.
• The military delegation to the National People’s Congress (NPC) was condensed from 281 to 243 members due to expulsions for corruption and indiscipline.
• China also increased its defense budget by 7% to USD 277 billion for rapid modernization, despite lowering its GDP growth target.