China's military has been ordered to 'make every penny count' as the country nears the Lunar New Year. President Xi Jinping spoke of an 'unusual and extraordinary' year for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He noted that the PLA has strengthened political discipline and fought corruption, calling it a process of 'revolutionary tempering.' In a rare public move, Beijing accused senior generals Zhang and Liu of "causing great damage to the military’s combat effectiveness." This is a serious allegation that highlights the deep flaws uncovered in the military's readiness. Since 2023, 18 top generals have been investigated and dismissed amid the widening anti-corruption drive. At least 16 more high-ranking commanders, including theatre command and service chiefs, have missed important meetings, signaling major upheaval in the PLA's leadership. The crackdown shows how China is trying to clean up its armed forces while also ensuring they stay ready for combat.