US intelligence indicates that President Xi Jinping’s sweeping military purge came after it emerged that widespread corruption undermined his efforts to modernize the armed forces and raised questions about China’s ability to fight a war, according to people familiar with the assessments.
  • China missiles filled with water, not fuel: US intelligence
  • Xi seeking to root out corruption, prepare military for combat

US intelligence indicates that President Xi Jinping’s sweeping military purge came after it emerged that widespread corruption undermined his efforts to modernize the armed forces and raised questions about China’s ability to fight a war, according to people familiar with the assessments.

The corruption inside China’s Rocket Force and throughout the nation’s defense industrial base is so extensive that US officials now believe Xi is less likely to contemplate major military action in the coming years than would otherwise have been the case, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing intelligence.

  • DragonTypeWyvern@literature.cafeEnglish
    1115·
    6 months ago

    No one builds a trillion dollar navy without intending to use it, but sure.

    It might not happen.

    In a world that solves its energy crisis and stops climate change.

    • RiskEnglish
      211·
      6 months ago

      Surely they intend to use it the same way the US does - projecting force to cement soft power?

        • xor@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
          6·
          6 months ago

          Taiwan, Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Australia, Thailand, Myanmar.

          Do I need to keep going?

          The key for them, really, is being able to ensure they have naval access through the strait of Malacca

            • RiskEnglish
              1·
              6 months ago

              Yes, those things create friction with the US.

              However, I’m sure China will grow to use their navy to project control of their Belt-And-Road initiatives. You bet they’ll be working to prop up governments that will reap the profit from their investments down the line, than allow rebellious groups or hostile neighbouring states to threaten those interests.