President Xi Jinping Calls for Rigorous Ideological Rectification and Anti-Corruption Efforts Within Military Leadership

President Xi Jinping tells high-ranking military officials to uphold Party traditions and eliminate corruption as the PLA prepares for its 100th anniversary.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 6:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from China Daily

A Mandate for Revolutionary Purity

President Xi Jinping has issued a stern call to the highest echelons of the Chinese military, urging them to lead by example in restoring the fundamental traditions of the Communist Party of China. Speaking Wednesday at the opening of a training session for senior officers in Beijing, Xi underscored that personal gain and corruption are fundamentally incompatible with the Party's nature. He emphasized that as the military marches toward becoming a world class force, its leadership must strip away "official airs" and return to the core identity of revolutionary service personnel.

Strengthening Ideological Foundations

The training session, held at the National Defense University, is part of a broader push to align the armed forces with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. According to Xi, the military must deepen its ideological and political rectification to maintain its "purity and glory." He instructed officials at all levels to stand firmly on the side of the people and overcome selfish ideas that alienate leadership from the rank and file. This renewed focus on political outlook is intended to serve as a preparatory milestone for the upcoming centenary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Unwavering Stance Against Corruption

Reiterating a central theme of his leadership, Xi made it clear that no individual is above the law or exempt from internal regulations. He noted that the Party and the military have historically grown stronger through constant struggles against "erroneous ideas" and misconduct. This address follows his March directives to national lawmakers, where he asserted that there should be "no safe haven for corruption" within the armed forces. The current session serves to operationalize those sentiments into a formal training framework for the military's top brass.