As the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) marches toward its 2027 centenary, Xi Jinping has signaled that the road to military modernization must be paved with absolute political loyalty. During a high-profile opening ceremony for a training workshop for senior military cadres, the Chinese leader called for a profound 'rectification' of thought and a deepening of 'political training' across the ranks. This directive is not merely a call for professional discipline but an assertive move to ensure the military remains the 'Party’s gun.'
The language employed—specifically 'thought rectification' (zhengfeng)—carries significant historical weight in the Chinese Communist Party’s lexicon, harking back to Mao Zedong’s Yan’an Rectification Movement. By invoking these terms, Xi is signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward ideological deviations and institutional corruption within the military elite. This renewed focus on 'purity and glory' suggests that despite a decade of anti-corruption campaigns, the leadership still perceives deep-seated risks within the high command.
Central to this campaign is the concept of 'revolutionary forging,' a process intended to reshape the character of the officer corps to meet the demands of a new era. The official rhetoric emphasizes that technical proficiency and advanced hardware are insufficient without a foundation of unwavering adherence to 'Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military.' This ideological alignment is framed as the essential prerequisite for achieving the PLA's 2027 modernization goals.
The timing of this ideological offensive is critical as the Chinese military faces evolving regional tensions and internal restructuring. By demanding a 'new political outlook' from his top generals, Xi is consolidating his authority and ensuring that the military’s senior leadership is personally beholden to his vision. This high-pressure environment for senior cadres indicates that the drive for political compliance will be a defining feature of the PLA’s trajectory over the next two years.