China’s Military Is Falling Apart

Summary

In this episode of China Uncensored, Chris Chappell discusses the recent expulsion of two former Chinese Defense Ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, for corruption. This significant event highlights the internal fissures and crippling corruption within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its military, the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The video explores the broader implications for China's political and military stability, suggesting that this corruption could impact the CCP's strategic goals, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea. Chappell also emphasizes the opportunity for the US to strengthen its alliances and support for Taiwan amidst China's turmoil.

Takeaways

• 🇨🇳 China has one of the largest and most powerful militaries in the world, but it may be facing significant internal issues.
• 🗳️ The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) recently expelled two former Defense Ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, for corruption, indicating severe problems within the Party.
• ⚔️ These expulsions reveal dangerous fissures and crippling corruption within the CCP's People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
• 📅 A recent Party meeting announced the date of the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Commission, which had been mysteriously delayed from last year.
• 📈 The meeting also discussed 'comprehensively deepening reforms and promoting Chinese-style modernization,' focusing on Xi Jinping solidifying his central role in the CCP.
• 💰 Both Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, initially considered allies of Xi Jinping, were accused of severe corruption, contaminating the political environment of the military.
• 🔫 The PLA is first and foremost a political entity, the armed wing of the CCP, and not just China’s military.
• 💥 Xi Jinping is concerned about the deep-rooted corruption and the serious damage it has caused to the PLA’s ability to function effectively.
• 🌍 The current turmoil within the PLA and China’s economic problems may limit the CCP's ability to engage in significant aggression against Taiwan and in the South China Sea.
• 🇺🇸 The US should seize this opportunity to increase support for Taiwan, solidify alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and apply tariffs and sanctions on China.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the China Uncensored episode?

The main topic is the expulsion of two former Chinese Defense Ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, due to corruption, and the implications for the Chinese Communist Party and its military.

Who are the two former Defense Ministers expelled for corruption?

The two former Defense Ministers expelled for corruption are Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu.

What does the expulsion of these Defense Ministers indicate about the Chinese Communist Party?

The expulsion indicates dangerous fissures within the Chinese Communist Party and possibly crippling corruption within the People’s Liberation Army.

What is the significance of the term 'General Hostility' mentioned in the episode?

'General Hostility' refers to the ongoing political turmoil and purges within the Chinese Communist Party and its military, depicted humorously as a soap opera.

What were the three major announcements made at the recent Party meeting on June 27?

The three major announcements were: 1) the date of the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Commission, 2) discussions on 'comprehensively deepening reforms and promoting Chinese-style modernization', and 3) corruption charges against Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.

Why was the Third Plenum of the 20th Central Commission delayed?

The Third Plenum was delayed due to several crises, including high tensions between the US and China, technology restrictions, involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and high-profile purges within the CCP's military.

What is Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign about?

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign aims to target and eliminate corruption within the Communist Party and its military, particularly those associated with Jiang Zemin’s political faction.

Why are the accusations against Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe particularly serious?

The accusations are serious because they are accused of severely contaminating the political environment of the military, causing enormous damage to the Party's cause, national defense, and the image of senior officials.

What does the People's Liberation Army (PLA) represent in China?

The PLA is the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party, not China’s national military. It is primarily a political entity, loyal to the Party.

What strategy does the host suggest the US should adopt in light of the CCP's internal issues?

The host suggests that the US should increase its support for Taiwan, solidify alliances in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with the Philippines and Japan, and impose tariffs and sanctions on China.

What does the host mean by 'General Hostility' being better than anything on Netflix?

The host is humorously stating that the real-life political drama and turmoil within the Chinese Communist Party is more engaging and dramatic than fictional shows available on Netflix.

What additional service is promoted at the end of the episode?

The episode promotes Surfshark, a VPN service that helps protect online privacy and security.