Rooting out the rotAt its core, the purge is framed as a prerequisite for military modernization. This perpetual state of vetting ensures that institutional loyalty is not just a preference but a survival mechanism. Parallel to the “naked official” crackdown is a broader campaign to insulate Chinese public and military life from Western ideological influence. Ultimately, whether this purge results in a rejuvenated, invincible PLA or an institution hollowed out by distrust remains to be seen. What is certain is that the “sword of loyalty” has been drawn, and for the leadership in Beijing, there is no turning back.