China's military purge targets top brass as president consolidates control PHOTO

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) remains the focus of an extensive anti-corruption campaign, with senior military officials under investigation for alleged corruption and abuse of office, Intelligence Online reports.

Three high-ranking military officials have emerged as notable exceptions to the broader crackdown. Rather than being detained or prosecuted, the officials were demoted, despite reportedly being under scrutiny as part of the ongoing purge.

According to Intelligence Online, all three are considered close allies of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is said to have personally supported limiting their punishment to demotions. The move is reportedly intended to gradually sideline the officials from key decision-making positions by diminishing their rank and influence, allowing them to avoid criminal prosecution.

The report suggests that Xi has shown no sign of relaxing the military's anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted numerous senior officers in recent years.

At the same time, Intelligence Online argues that the decision to demote certain officials instead of imprisoning them underscores Xi's continued grip on the armed forces, demonstrating his ability to reshape the military leadership while maintaining control over the country's top military establishment.

By Vafa Guliyeva