Post by Andrew Erickson

Since Xi assumed power in 2012, an extraordinary array of flag & general officers, as well as defense industry leaders, has been removed. And Xi’s anti-“corruption” fight is only intensifying. Amid all this, dramatic rumors are swirling. “Shoes” are continuing to drop. What are the implications for PLA(N) control and capabilities? Some go so far as to conclude that because corruption is so bad, the PLA(N) cannot be very good. That notion I firmly disagree with. In my latest publications—many with U.S. Naval War College #China #Maritime Studies Institute (#CMSI) Director CAPT Christopher Sharman, US Navy (Ret.)—I grapple directly with this important issue, & explain my reasoning. We should all be able to agree that, with all this going on, it’s never been more important to understand China’s naval leadership! Here I’ve compiled my research on this subject published throughout Xi’s “New Era.” I’ll continue my studies and keep this Bookshelf updated as best I can. Thank you for your attention! Naval War College Foundation Scott Swift Thomas Henderschedt Dale R. Eric Pedersen Rob Engelhardt Christopher Nelson Navy League of the United States Admiral James G. Foggo (ret.) MSC U.S. Naval Institute Padraic Carlin China Aerospace Studies Institute Brendan Mulvaney Lyle Morris Joel Wuthnow