Xi Jinping’s sustained anti-corruption drive and loyalty enforcement within the Chinese Communist Party and People’s Liberation Army continue to shape expectations for additional high-level removals through the end of 2026. The most recent catalyst came in September when the Politburo expelled Central Military Commission vice chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Department chief Liu Zhenli, following their January investigations for disciplinary violations; these moves left only Xi and discipline overseer Zhang Shengmin on the CMC. Earlier in the year, Politburo member Ma Xingrui faced investigation, marking the third sitting Politburo removal in one term. Data indicate over 100 senior PLA officers affected since 2022, with vacancies persisting across theater commands. The October fifth plenum and preparations for the 2027 party congress provide near-term windows where further cadre discipline actions or leadership adjustments could occur, sustaining trader focus on military and provincial figures tied to prior networks.