Tsai Ming-yen: PLA Trapped in Absolute Loyalty Purge Mode, Joint Logistics Facing Disruption
Taiwan's National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen reported that the Chinese Communist Party is in an 'absolute loyalty purge mode,' leading to significant vacancies in the military's command structure and potential 'disruption' in joint operations and logistics. While this benefits Xi Jinping's control in the short term, it could lead to 'political correctness' in military decision-making and rash actions in the Taiwan Strait. China's 'anti-independence, pro-unification' stance remains, but tactics are shifting to target Taiwanese youth, businesses, and grassroots. Deteriorating investment environment in China has led to low Taiwanese investment. Tsai also warned that China's 'Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress' is a legal and public opinion warfare tactic infringing on Taiwan's sovereignty, urging citizens to be cautious of legal risks when traveling to China.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 8, 2026 at 12:59
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 14:00 (1h 1m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 17:53 (171h 53m after Collected)
The Legislative Yuan's Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee invited Tsai Ming-yen this morning to present a 'National Intelligence Work and National Security Bureau Business Report' and answer questions.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Chun-yu inquired about the National Security Bureau's assessment of the concentration of power in Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tsai Ming-yen responded that the CCP's current approach exhibits an 'absolute loyalty purge mode.' For example, out of 33 general-rank positions in the CCP's military, only four are currently filled: Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun, Commander of the Eastern Theater Command Lin Xiangyang, and Commander of the Central Theater Command Han Shengyan. Most other vacancies are filled by 'lower-ranking officers acting as higher-ranking ones.'
Tsai Ming-yen further analyzed that the National Security Bureau's review of promotion conditions for over a hundred lieutenant generals in the CCP revealed that fewer than five individuals meet the criteria of 'serving for two full years' and 'having held two important positions' in both this year and next. This indicates a significant number of vacancies in the general-level command chain, which could lead to 'disruption' in the CCP's joint operations and logistics coordination.
Tsai Ming-yen emphasized that while this situation may benefit Xi Jinping's control over the military in the short term, in the medium to long term, military decision-making will tend towards 'political correctness.' Generals will be hesitant to offer professional opinions differing from the leader's, leading to a narrowed decision-making perspective. The National Security Bureau will closely monitor whether young generals, eager to prove themselves, might take rash actions in the Taiwan Strait.
Regarding the cross-strait content of the CCP's 'Two Sessions' and the '15th Five-Year Plan,' Tsai Ming-yen pointed out that the CCP's primary task is to address internal economic slowdown and livelihood stability issues. In cross-strait affairs, the main theme of 'anti-independence and pro-unification' has not changed, but the tactics of united front work have been subtly adjusted.
Tsai Ming-yen noted that in terms of 'promoting integration,' the CCP has shifted its focus to Taiwanese youth, businesses, and grassroots communities, offering so-called 'equal treatment.' Concurrently, in conjunction with the '15th Five-Year Plan,' it targets high-tech and precision machinery industries, attempting to attract Taiwanese capital into development zones. However, this initiative has been ineffective, with Taiwanese investment in mainland China accounting for only 3.7% of total outbound investment last year. The main reason is the unstable and continuously deteriorating internal investment environment in China, which deters Taiwanese businesses.
In terms of 'promoting propaganda,' Tsai Ming-yen stated that the CCP has recently emphasized cultural exchanges, attempting to strengthen united front effects through shared religious origins and cultural identity. Regarding the CCP's promotion of the 'Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress,' Tsai Ming-yen specifically warned that Article 21 of the law encourages Taiwanese people to identify with the Chinese nation, and Article 61 stipulates that 'destroying unity' will be investigated according to law.
He believes this constitutes legal and public opinion warfare. As a sovereign state, Taiwan does not permit the enforcement of CCP laws on its territory; its symbolic significance outweighs its substantive meaning. However, citizens traveling to mainland China should remain vigilant and consider the blurred legal risks, as they may face security checks such as mobile phone inspections upon entering customs. He urged citizens to prioritize personal safety. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150408
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Chun-yu inquired about the National Security Bureau's assessment of the concentration of power in Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tsai Ming-yen responded that the CCP's current approach exhibits an 'absolute loyalty purge mode.' For example, out of 33 general-rank positions in the CCP's military, only four are currently filled: Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia, Minister of National Defense Dong Jun, Commander of the Eastern Theater Command Lin Xiangyang, and Commander of the Central Theater Command Han Shengyan. Most other vacancies are filled by 'lower-ranking officers acting as higher-ranking ones.'
Tsai Ming-yen further analyzed that the National Security Bureau's review of promotion conditions for over a hundred lieutenant generals in the CCP revealed that fewer than five individuals meet the criteria of 'serving for two full years' and 'having held two important positions' in both this year and next. This indicates a significant number of vacancies in the general-level command chain, which could lead to 'disruption' in the CCP's joint operations and logistics coordination.
Tsai Ming-yen emphasized that while this situation may benefit Xi Jinping's control over the military in the short term, in the medium to long term, military decision-making will tend towards 'political correctness.' Generals will be hesitant to offer professional opinions differing from the leader's, leading to a narrowed decision-making perspective. The National Security Bureau will closely monitor whether young generals, eager to prove themselves, might take rash actions in the Taiwan Strait.
Regarding the cross-strait content of the CCP's 'Two Sessions' and the '15th Five-Year Plan,' Tsai Ming-yen pointed out that the CCP's primary task is to address internal economic slowdown and livelihood stability issues. In cross-strait affairs, the main theme of 'anti-independence and pro-unification' has not changed, but the tactics of united front work have been subtly adjusted.
Tsai Ming-yen noted that in terms of 'promoting integration,' the CCP has shifted its focus to Taiwanese youth, businesses, and grassroots communities, offering so-called 'equal treatment.' Concurrently, in conjunction with the '15th Five-Year Plan,' it targets high-tech and precision machinery industries, attempting to attract Taiwanese capital into development zones. However, this initiative has been ineffective, with Taiwanese investment in mainland China accounting for only 3.7% of total outbound investment last year. The main reason is the unstable and continuously deteriorating internal investment environment in China, which deters Taiwanese businesses.
In terms of 'promoting propaganda,' Tsai Ming-yen stated that the CCP has recently emphasized cultural exchanges, attempting to strengthen united front effects through shared religious origins and cultural identity. Regarding the CCP's promotion of the 'Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress,' Tsai Ming-yen specifically warned that Article 21 of the law encourages Taiwanese people to identify with the Chinese nation, and Article 61 stipulates that 'destroying unity' will be investigated according to law.
He believes this constitutes legal and public opinion warfare. As a sovereign state, Taiwan does not permit the enforcement of CCP laws on its territory; its symbolic significance outweighs its substantive meaning. However, citizens traveling to mainland China should remain vigilant and consider the blurred legal risks, as they may face security checks such as mobile phone inspections upon entering customs. He urged citizens to prioritize personal safety. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150408
FAQ
What is China's 'absolute loyalty purge mode' in the military?
It refers to the Chinese Communist Party's large-scale replacement and purge of military cadres to ensure absolute loyalty to President Xi Jinping.
What impact does this purge have on the Chinese military?
It leads to a significant number of vacancies in the general-level command structure, potentially causing 'disruption' in joint operations and logistics. It also risks military decision-making becoming overly focused on 'political correctness,' narrowing strategic perspectives.
Are there changes in China's policy towards Taiwan?
The main theme of 'anti-independence and pro-unification' remains unchanged, but united front work tactics have been subtly adjusted, now focusing on Taiwanese youth, businesses, and grassroots communities, offering 'equal treatment.'
What is the 'Law on Promoting National Unity and Progress'?
It is a law promoted by China that encourages Taiwanese residents to identify with the Chinese nation and stipulates that acts of 'destroying unity' will be prosecuted. It is seen as part of China's legal and public opinion warfare infringing on Taiwan's sovereignty.