Are Xi Jinping's prospects in jeopardy due to China's recent military purges?

The recent disappearances of high-ranking Chinese officials have sparked speculation about a potential purge led by President Xi Jinping. Defense Minister Li Shangfu is the latest to vanish, with reports suggesting he is being investigated over military equipment purchases. This follows the removal of officials from the Rocket Forces and a military court judge. Rumors now circulate that cadres in the central military commission are also being investigated. The main theory is that these removals are part of a crackdown on corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Corruption has long been an issue within the military, and President Xi has made efforts to address it. However, experts argue that rooting out corruption completely would require systemic changes that the authoritarian state is unwilling to make. Some suggest that the disappearances may also be a result of China's uncertain relationship with the US, as the country recently enacted a counter-espionage law and called on citizens to help combat spy activities. The disappearances of officials like Li and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who were favored by President Xi, raise questions about his leadership and judgement. Some view these incidents as a sign of instability, while others see them as a show of strength. President Xi is known for his crackdowns on corruption, which have targeted both low-level and top officials. The ultimate impact of these disappearances remains uncertain, but they may create a climate of fear and have a demoralizing effect on the military and government. The lack of transparency within the Chinese system contributes to unease surrounding these incidents.