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Corruption in China
ChinaPolitics

Zhang Youxia investigation to end ‘watered-down’ capability of China’s military: PLA Daily

Investigation and in-depth political rectification to bring in new atmosphere and positive spirit, commentary in official military paper says

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The official PLA Daily has urged China’s armed forces to “resolutely carry on the fight against corruption through to the end”. Photo: Xinhua
William Zheng
The PLA’s anti-corruption investigations into top general Zhang Youxia and others will eliminate a watered-down combat capability resulting from corruption and give new momentum to the armed forces, the official paper of the Chinese military has said.

“The resolute investigation and punishment of corrupt officials such as Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli removes obstacles and stumbling blocks that hinder the development of our cause,” the PLA Daily said in a front-page editorial on Monday.

“It eliminates the watered-down parts of combat capability building and inspires the spirit of hard work and perseverance, injecting strong momentum into the development of a strong military.”
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Titled “Overcoming difficulties and forging ahead with a strong sense of mission and responsibility”, the article called on the People’s Liberation Army to firmly grasp the overall trend that “the more thorough the anti-corruption efforts, the more solid the foundation to overcome difficulties and the stronger the military”.

It was the PLA Daily’s second front-page editorial on the issue in as many days, following a piece on Sunday that warned of the complex challenges facing the military and emphasised the need to deepen political purity.

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Monday’s commentary took that theme forward, saying the investigations and the “in-depth political rectification” would bring in “a new atmosphere and positive spirit”.

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