1 month ago
China's New Audit Code Reflects Ongoing Military Purges
China has introduced a new code of conduct for military auditors.
This comes after many high-ranking officers were removed from their positions due to corruption.
The code aims to ensure that auditors are loyal, capable, and disciplined.
It also includes rules about what they cannot do.
The purges have affected many officers, including those in charge of important military units and defense companies.
While the purges continue, the military is still functioning and carrying out its duties.
However, there are concerns about how these changes affect the morale and readiness of the troops.
China issued a new Military Audit Professional Ethics Code of Conduct on July 21, 2026.
At least 104 generals, including 47 four-star officers, have been dismissed in the past three years.
Key officers promoted include Wang Gang and Zhang Shuguang.
The purges have affected major defense state-owned enterprises like AVIC and CNNC.
The new code emphasizes political loyalty, professional capabilities, and discipline among auditors.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
- What
- Issuance of a new Military Audit Professional Ethics Code of Conduct and ongoing military purges
- Where
- China
- When
- July 21, 2026
- Why
- To ensure political loyalty, eliminate corruption, and institutionalize surveillance within the PLA
Pro-Purge Perspective
Anti-Purge Perspective
Effectiveness of Purges
Pro-Purge Perspective
The purges are necessary to eliminate corruption and ensure political loyalty within the PLA.
Anti-Purge Perspective
The purges destabilize the military command structure and create leadership vacuums.
Impact on Military Readiness
Pro-Purge Perspective
The purges do not significantly impact military readiness as established processes continue.
Anti-Purge Perspective
The purges create uncertainty and risk, potentially undermining combat preparedness.
Key facts
- Date of Announcement
- July 21, 2026
- Number of Generals Dismissed
- 104
- Number of Four-Star Officers Dismissed
- 47
- Key Officers Promoted
- Wang Gang, Zhang Shuguang
- Major Defence SOEs Affected
- Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)
- Date of EDD Procurement Scandal
- July 2023
- Date of Professional Ethics Guidelines Issuance
- December 2025








