China Expels Nine Generals Linked to Xi’s Fujian Clique

China publicly expelled nine senior People’s Liberation Army generals on corruption charges, many of whom were personally appointed by Xi Jinping and are linked to his Fujian clique. The removals, announced just ahead of the Chinese Communist Party’s Fourth Plenum, formalize purges that began months earlier. The officials included former leaders of the Eastern Theater Command and other posts tied to Taiwan contingency planning, reshaping the military’s balance of power. Analysts disagree whether the purge reflects entrenched corruption and factional networks or a consolidation of Xi’s control, while whistleblowers and reports warn the removals may widen to additional senior officers. Taiwan officials said the episode underscores Beijing’s focus on military pressure over domestic economic and social challenges and hardened Taipei’s commitment to self‑defense.