The Danger in the Middle: Will Xi’s Purges Increase the Risk of War?

Abstract

Xi Jinping's purge of senior People's Liberation Army officers has disrupted China's military leadership and raised questions about the risk of conflict over Taiwan. Joel Wuthnow argues that while the purges may weaken the PLA in the near term, the greater danger could emerge later as a new generation of commanders strengthens Xi's confidence and consolidates his control over the military. The article examines how these dynamics may shape China's decision-making and the prospects for deterrence in the years ahead.

Document Type

Article

Topic(s)

Chinese Military, National Security, Strategic Competition

Region(s)

East Asia, China, Taiwan

Publication Date

2-24-2026

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