Xi Jinping's Military Purge Weakens China's Armed Forces

The removal of nine senior officers disrupts China's race to catch up with US military power.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed nine senior military officers from their positions, including three former commanders or vice commanders of the PLA Rocket Force, a Navy commander who oversaw the South China Sea, a former Air Force chief, and four officers who were in charge of equipment.
Analysts suggest that the purge is part of Xi's intensified anti-corruption efforts across China's government and the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The purge has reportedly weakened China's military, potentially disrupting China's race to catch up with the US's military power.
Despite China's efforts to close the gap with the US, including building the world's largest navy and planning a series of overseas military bases, China remains at a significant tactical disadvantage compared to the US.
Relations between the US and China have deteriorated, with tense military encounters over the South China Sea and the US military shooting down a Chinese surveillance balloon over the continental US.