The official newspaper of China’s military has declared unwavering loyalty to President Xi Jinping and has expressed full support for his vigorous anti-corruption campaign. This commitment follows Beijing’s announcement of investigations into two former defence ministers. The PLA Daily urges the military to unite closely around the leadership of the Communist Party, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and to thoroughly master and implement the political doctrine of the Chinese leader.
Furthermore, the newspaper has pledged to intensify education in party discipline, promote the spirit of comprehensive self-reform, and actively work to eradicate the root causes and conditions that foster corruption. This powerful message was published on Monday, marking the 103rd anniversary of the Communist Party.
The Politburo announced last week that two former defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and his successor Li Shangfu, are under investigation for corruption. Both individuals have been expelled from the party and will face criminal prosecution.
Li was suddenly dismissed from his post in October without any explanation given at the time. An editorial in the PLA Daily stated, “The party’s absolute leadership over the military is the foundation of building the people’s army and the soul of strengthening the military.”
The article emphasised that the party’s leadership has played a crucial role in “guiding the entire military to persist in following the path of building a strong military with Chinese characteristics, thus revitalising, reshaping, and developing the people’s army in the new era.”
These pledges echoed Xi’s comments from last month’s Central Military Commission (CMC) political work conference with key military officials and political commissars.
At a meeting in Yan’an, a city in Shaanxi province where Mao Zedong had his headquarters for over a decade, Xi emphasised the importance of absolute loyalty. He stated that the People’s Liberation Army must eliminate the “conditions that breed corruption.” Xi, who is the chairman of the CMC, emphasised that guns “must always be in the hands of those who are loyal and dependable to the party. And we must make it clear that there is no place for any corrupt elements in the military.”
The PLA Daily stated that the leadership had “united and led the party, the armed forces, and the people to respond to the difficult and complex international situation effectively, and the immense risks and challenges that came one after another.” It praised Xi’s leadership and his political doctrine for “providing scientific guidance” for “the new era’s great changes,” instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for his political contributions.
Team BharatShakti
