CORRUPTION IN CHINESE MILITARY
With a corrupt military, can China's Xi Jinping wage and win a war?
Despite Xi Jinping's efforts to strengthen China's military, internal corruption and challenges in military modernization hinder the country's ambitions for global dominance. The ongoing anti-corruption campaign and concerns over military capabilities pose significant obstacles in Xi's quest for establishing a 'world-class' military.
Chinese Communist Party expels two ex-defence ministers on corruption charges
The Chinese Communist Party has expelled two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, in an anti-corruption crackdown. This move follows Li's disappearance last year and comes amid rising tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan.
In a first, two ex-Chinese defence ministers to be tried for corruption; Expelled from Communist Party
Li, who went missing last year following an investigation into alleged corrupt practices, was expelled from the party on Thursday for serious violation of Party discipline and the law, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. A similar announcement said Wei too was expelled from the party and to be prosecuted. Wei served as Defence Minister from 2018-23 and Li barely served a few months as his successor.
Xi continues his drive to purify the PLA and instill loyalty
Xi is heavily involved in military appointments and promotions, supposedly of candidates who are reliable, competent and loyal. Yet with so much cash being splashed around in ever-increasing defence budgets, some high-up officers in the PLA have seized the opportunity to profit personally.
China's PLA undergoes major restructure as it emphasises information capabilities for war
Xi Jinping replaces PLA's Strategic Support Force with Information Support Force in a significant overhaul. The move aims to enhance military efficiency and political oversight, with direct CMC control over the new force. Former SSF's functions, including cyber and space operations, are divided among the four arms, emphasizing centralized command.
President Xi Jinping initiates sweeping reorganisation of China's military
Xi is creating a new branch called the Information Support Force. The aerospace and cyber units previously under the Strategic Support Force will now be organisationally parallel to the newly created Information Support Force, the defence ministry said in a statement. The aerospace unit will improve China's capability to use space and step up the management of space crises, the ministry said.
Iran’s better, stealthier drones are remaking global warfare
Iran's drone technology is reshaping global conflicts, with drones based on Iranian designs being used in various countries, including Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. These drones, like the Zagel-3 based on Iran's Ababil model, are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are used by militias and militaries worldwide. Iran's drone industry, fueled by sanctions and innovative methods to circumvent them, is a key element of its military strategy, allowing it to project power and influence far beyond its borders.
Pressure mounts on Ukraine to scrap 'sponsors of war' blacklist
Ukraine is considering dismantling its "sponsors of war" blacklist and related website, which expose companies doing business with Russia. This move follows pressure from countries like China and France. The list, though lacking legal standing, has caused embarrassment for around 50 major companies. The decision reflects Ukraine's need to soften its stance amid waning global support for its war effort. The list's future is uncertain, with the possibility of it being transferred to the Ukrainian military intelligence agency.
Russia election set to tighten Putin's grip despite noon protest
Putin, who rose to power in 1999, is poised to win a new six-year term that, if he completes it, would enable him to overtake Josef Stalin and become Russia's longest-serving leader for more than 200 years.
Top PLA general calls for crackdown on 'fake combat capabilities' in Chinese military
In a surprising turn of events, General He Weidong, the second-ranked vice-chairman of China's powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), has raised doubts about the effectiveness of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) combat exercises, calling them "fake combat capabilities." This comes at a time when Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for the PLA to prepare for "maritime military struggles" to secure victory in wars.
Taiwan detects 19 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels around nation
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected 19 Chinese military aircraft and 7 naval vessels near the country in the past 24 hours. Among the aircraft, 12 crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, prompting Taiwan to deploy air and naval assets. This incident reflects China's increased military activities around Taiwan, with over 250 aircraft and 150 naval ships detected in February alone. The US Indo-Pacific Command nominee, Admiral Samuel Paparo, warned of China's growing capability to use military exercises to disguise an invasion of Taiwan, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Maldives President Muizzu arrives in China, set to sign several agreements to bolster bilateral ties
Muizzu's maiden visit to China, however, has been marred by a huge diplomatic row triggered by the derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by some Maldivian ministers after he posted a video of him on a pristine beach during his visit to Lakshadweep.
Abrupt dismissals point to Xi Jinping's quiet shake-up of China's military
Nine high-ranking Chinese military figures were recently removed as delegates to the country's Communist Party-run legislature, without official explanation. The move indicates that President Xi Jinping's latest offensive to root out alleged corruption and other misconduct in the People's Liberation Army has been gaining momentum and is focused on the politically sensitive agencies responsible for developing weapons and military installations.
China appoints Admiral Dong Jun new defence minister, but opacity reigns
Even as Chairman Xi Jinping promised that Taiwan would be "reunified" with the mainland, China's newly appointed defence minister was making himself comfortable in the office of his predecessor, who disappeared after being ensnared in a scandal.
Sweeping Chinese military purge exposes weakness, could widen, says Analysts
China's top lawmakers ousted nine senior military officers from the national legislative body on Friday, state media reported, a step that typically precedes further punishment for wayward cadres. Many of these were from the Rocket Force - a key arm of the PLA overseeing tactical and nuclear missiles.
Taiwan, S.China Sea loom as dangers despite revived US-China military dialogue
Chinese analysts believe that the resumption of military talks between the US and China could help in easing tensions but problems between Taiwan and South China Sea are still present that could be dangerous.
China and Russia take aim at US at Chinese military forum
China and Russia take aim at US at Chinese military forum. The defence minister of the two nations criticised USA for forcing itself into matters of the internal affairs of other countries. Despite this, China's Defence Minister also emphasised on improving military relations with US.
Chinese defence minister Li Shangfu under investigation for corrupt procurement
The investigation into Li Shangfu relates to procurement of military equipment, according to a regional security official and three people in direct contact with the Chinese military. Reuters was unable to obtain details on which equipment purchases were under scrutiny.
Chinese Communist Party marred by corruption for decades
The Chinese leadership has throughout its existence from 1949 till the present have been acknowledging the menace of corruption within the party, government and the country’s society as a whole. This acceptance has however not borne much results in terms of tangible results such as reduction in corruption cases.
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