On October 19, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection of a People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force brigade in Anhui province. During this visit, Xi emphasized the critical need for stronger missile deterrence and tighter discipline within the force. He urged the brigade to adapt to modern warfare and refine their skills in conventional operations while developing new tactics [04ee6c8c].
In a significant development, Lieutenant General Fang Yongxiang was seen accompanying Xi during this inspection, suggesting his new role as military secretary. Fang, 58, is likely to take over as the director of the Central Military Commission (CMC) general office, a position previously held by Zhong Shaojun. Fang's military career began in 1989 after graduating from the PLA’s Army Infantry Academy, and he has held various leadership roles, including political director of the 31st Group Army and political commissar of the Southern Theatre Command [2043563e].
The PLA Rocket Force, established in 2015, plays a pivotal role in overseeing China's nuclear weapons and is integral to the country's strategic deterrence plans. This inspection follows the force's first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in 44 years, which took place last month [04ee6c8c].
Xi's remarks also addressed the ongoing corruption issues plaguing the Rocket Force, referencing recent scandals involving high-ranking officials, including missile scientist Xiao Longxu and former commander Wei Fenghe. These issues have been part of a broader anti-corruption campaign initiated by Xi since he took office in 2012, which has led to the investigation and removal of numerous senior military officials [2ecdeec9].
The recent purges within the military have raised concerns about the stability of Beijing's security infrastructure and its military readiness, particularly in light of tensions surrounding Taiwan. President Xi has set a deadline for the military to be prepared for potential conflicts by 2027, highlighting the importance of loyalty and combat readiness within the PLA [0f3bdbde].
In addition to addressing corruption, Xi's inspection aimed to reinforce the importance of discipline within the Rocket Force, which has been under scrutiny for its internal challenges. The ongoing anti-corruption efforts have led to significant changes in leadership within the military, including the recent removal of several senior officials from the Rocket Force [19c9baaf].
As part of these efforts, the Chinese government has also implemented stricter procurement rules within defense contractors like the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), which was previously led by Tan Ruisong, who is under investigation for severe violations of law and party discipline [4e317f15].
The focus on deterrence and discipline reflects Xi's broader strategy to ensure that the PLA remains a formidable force capable of responding to both internal and external challenges. The emphasis on modernizing the military while addressing corruption is seen as crucial for maintaining China's military ambitions, particularly in the context of increasing tensions in the South China Sea and potential conflicts over Taiwan [3464657f].