• Xi Jinping stresses the importance of political loyalty within the military.
• The anti-corruption campaign continues, targeting military officials.
• China plans a 7% increase in the defense budget for the upcoming year.

During the National People's Congress (NPC) meetings, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the necessity for political loyalty within the military, stating, "There must be no one in the military who harbors disloyalty to the ruling Communist Party," as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency. This emphasis comes amidst a widening purge within the military, with Xi insisting that steps must be taken to ensure that "there is no place for corruption to hide" in the ranks of the armed forces, highlighting ongoing efforts against corruption. These remarks underline Xi's commitment to reforming and modernizing China's military while addressing internal issues of loyalty and corruption, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The ongoing anti-corruption campaign, initiated by Xi more than a decade ago, has intensified specifically within military ranks, with recent investigations leading to the dismissal of multiple high-ranking officers. Analysts suggest that this campaign also serves a dual purpose: to eliminate potential rivals and secure absolute loyalty among military leadership. The recent removals include nine military officers and three generals previously involved with the political advisory body, further consolidating Xi's power, according to CBS News and South China Morning Post.

In conjunction with these reforms, the Chinese government announced a 7% increase in the defense budget, raising it to approximately 1.91 trillion yuan ($277 billion), aligning with previous increases over the last three years. Xi emphasized the importance of strong oversight and control over military spending, stating that the military must be closely monitored, particularly in key areas like fund allocations and the management of resources. This continued investment in military capabilities aligns with Xi's goal of constructing a modern military by 2050, incorporating advanced technologies and enhancing national defense strategies, according to Reuters and CBS News.