Xi Jinping urges PLA loyalty post-purges, boosts defense spending

• President Xi Jinping called on the PLA to enhance political loyalty after recent purges of top military officials.
• The directive came during a National People's Congress meeting, emphasizing modernization and party leadership.
• Purges, including Gen Zhang Youxia, significantly reduced the Central Military Commission's size from six to two members.
• Gen Zhang Shengmin, the remaining General, urged resolute obedience to Xi's command and intensified combat training.
• China hiked its defense budget by 7% to USD 277 billion for military modernization, despite economic challenges.