China Emphasizes Political Loyalty Ahead of PLA Centenary Goal

As China prepares to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army on August 1, official state media outlets have reaffirmed the central leadership's focus on absolute Communist Party control over the armed forces. Coverage published ahead of Army Day emphasizes political rectification, senior officer training, and strict adherence to Xi Jinping's military thought. Addressing a gathering on July 1 marking the party's 105th anniversary, Xi reiterated that political building and ideological alignment remain foundational as the military targets its 2027 centenary modernization goals.

As the PLA approaches its 2027 centenary target, official messaging underscores that ideological alignment and political governance remain top priorities alongside hardware and modernization goals.

Ahead of the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1, Chinese state media released major commentary detailing the Communist Party of China's (CPC) leadership over national defense and military modernization efforts. Reports carried simultaneously by Xinhua, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Central People's Government emphasized that political strength remains the core pillar of military development as China approaches its 2027 military centenary target. Official reporting highlighted key directives issued by Chinese President Xi Jinping during major political gatherings. On July 1, speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, Xi stressed the necessity of fully implementing the Party's military thought for the new era and adhering firmly to the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces. He called for comprehensive efforts across political construction, reform, technology, talent development, and governance under the law to ensure the timely achievement of the PLA's centenary goals. The coverage also underscored a strategic initiative launched earlier in the year targeting top military commanders. On April 8, Xi attended the opening ceremony of a specialized training course for senior military officers. In his address, Xi called for rigorous ideological rectification and deepened political training to forge a revolutionary cadre of leaders and maintain the purity and honor of the armed forces ahead of the centenary milestone. As part of the program, participating high-ranking officers engaged in intensive study sessions, group seminars, and educational visits, including a visit to the Museum of the Communist Party of China in Beijing. Official reports noted that 16 senior officer representatives delivered remarks at the close of the first session, focusing on operational responsibilities and political alignment. By framing political loyalty as the primary prerequisite for combat effectiveness, state messaging underscores Beijing's dual commitment to structural military reform and ideological discipline as the PLA advances toward its 2027 target.