PLA warns Chinese military: "Purify Your Social Circles or Lose Your Positions"

 The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China has issued a warning to Chinese military personnel, urging them to exercise caution when it comes to their associations. The PLA highlighted that socializing with the wrong people has resulted in the removal of certain leaders from their positions. In order to combat this issue, the PLA Daily, a state-run publication, emphasized the need for cadres to purify their social circles and practice physical isolation to avoid potential dangers and temptations. The commentary published by the PLA Daily on Friday did not provide specifics about the leaders who had been removed from their posts due to their associations.

However, it stressed the importance of Chinese military cadres purifying their social circles. The PLA specifically mentioned the code of conduct for cadres' social interactions, which was issued by the Central Military Commission in June. The commentary highlighted that if events or meal appointments are not necessary, they should be avoided altogether. This cautionary statement from the PLA comes in the wake of recent incidents involving high-ranking officials. Qin Gang, who served as China's foreign minister, was removed from his position due to an extramarital affair.

Additionally, defense minister Li Shangfu has disappeared amidst a graft investigation. The military launched an inquiry into graft cases linked to procurement, which occurred during Li's tenure as head of the equipment department. The PLA's stance on the importance of associations and the need for purification of social circles reflects President Xi Jinping's ongoing campaign against corruption and misconduct within the military.

The removal of top officials highlights the seriousness with which the Chinese government is addressing any instances of inappropriate behavior and warns military personnel of the potential consequences of associating with the wrong individuals. This call for caution and purifying social circles aligns with President Xi's broader efforts to promote integrity and discipline within the Chinese military. The message is clear: military personnel must be mindful of their associations, as careless socializing can lead to severe consequences, including the removal of top leaders from their positions.