Water-Filled Missiles, Faulty Silos: China's Military Purge Unveils Deep Corruption

• Chinese President Xi Jinping is conducting a widespread military purge to combat corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• US intelligence reports revealed that some PLA missiles were filled with water instead of fuel, and missile silos had faulty lids, indicating significant corruption.
• The scandal led to the purge of the entire leadership of the Rocket Forces, responsible for China's nuclear deterrent, and impacted Xi's modernization goals.
• Top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for "serious discipline and law violations," shocking observers due to Zhang's close ties with Xi.
• Analysts suggest the purge aims to enhance military discipline, eradicate corruption, and prepare China's military for potential future combat, including a possible Taiwan invasion by 2027.

Why It Matters: China's military purge, driven by corruption like water-filled missiles, aims to strengthen Xi's control and modernize the PLA.