Overview

• 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.