World
Xi Jinping Purges His Own Inner Circle in Major Chinese Government Shake-Up
Top leaders are being removed as President Xi Jinping clears out his own government and military, sparking questions about his hold on power.
A split screen showing Chinese President Xi Jinping alongside the Chinese military flag and government buildings in Beijing.
By John Doe
Reporting from China
Sept. 17, 2026, 10:54 p.m. - 10 hours ago
President Xi Jinping is currently clearing out his own government and military in a massive series of purges.
Reports show that many high-ranking officials and military leaders are being removed from their positions. This includes people who were once considered part of Xi’s inner circle—his most trusted allies. One notable example is the removal of Zhong Shaojun, a figure who had been very close to the President.
Experts say these removals are not random. Over 40 members of the Central Committee—the group that effectively runs the Chinese Communist Party—are now facing expulsion.
Why is this happening? Analysts suggest that Xi is trying to tighten his grip on power and ensure that everyone at the top is completely loyal to him. By removing those he suspects of being unreliable, he is trying to remove any potential threats to his leadership.
This move has caused concern for international observers. A military that is constantly being "cleaned out" may face confusion or lower morale. It also raises questions about whether there is internal fighting or hidden disagreements within the highest levels of the Chinese government.
For now, the message from the top is clear: no one is safe if they are suspected of not being fully on board with the President’s agenda. We will keep watching this story as more details about these departures come to light.
Source: Foreign Affairs
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