China’s military leadership stood before the nation in March 2023, a picture of unity behind Xi Jinping. After nearly a decade in power, Mr. Xi installed the high command he wanted: loyalists handpicked to make the People’s Liberation Army a world-class force.

But even Mr Xi’s loyalists have not been spared his sweeping campaign to purge the military – with purges ostensibly focused on corruption but also about loyalty to him. The members of the Central Military Commission were removed one by one and under investigation. The latest was Gene. Zhang YouxiaMr. Xi’s top general.

Mr. Xi has also dismissed dozens of other senior military officials in just under three years, a level of turnaround unmatched in modern Chinese history. Here’s a picture of the likely scope of the purges in the military, based on a New York Times analysis of Chinese state media reports and official announcements.

The purges are a demonstration of Mr. Xi’s extraordinary power, but they have also created a leadership vacuum in the military.

The fall of General Zhang and another commander who was deposed with him, General Liu Zhenli, deprived the Central Military Commission of leaders preparing forces for battle. While scores of less senior officers are also involved in the practical planning of major military operations, the sudden loss of two top “operational” commanders could for a time undermine Mr. Xi’s confidence in the readiness of the People’s Liberation Army.

The only remaining general on the commission is Zhang Shengmin, who oversaw Mr. Xi’s military purges and now appears responsible for maintaining political discipline and loyalty. General Zhang spent most of his career as an anti-corruption and political discipline inspection officer in the Missile Forces, which controls China’s nuclear and conventional missile programs. Mr. Xi promoted him to vice chairman of the Central Military Commission last year.

The layoffs deeply affected almost all other wings of the armed forces. This includes the missile force as well as the navy.

Five theater commands – regions created by Mr Xi in 2016 to manage the armed forces – were also removed, including the Eastern Theater Command, which is responsible for operations around Taiwan. Late last year, Mr. Xi appointed a new commander for the Eastern Theater.

Since the fall of General Zhang, the official Chinese military newspaper has called on officers and soldiers to support the decision and rally around Mr Xi. He also acknowledged that the layoffs and disruptions had caused “short-term hardship and pain.”

Ultimately, the newspaper writes, an even stronger Chinese army will emerge.

First, however, Mr Xi must find another group of reliable generals he can trust as the 72-year-old leader plans a fourth term as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 2027, which he will almost certainly win.