China Expels Nine Top Generals in Major Military Purge Amid Corruption Probe
China’s Communist Party has expelled nine senior military officials, marking one of the most sweeping public crackdowns on the armed forces in decades. The move, announced by the country’s Defence Ministry, comes amid growing concerns about corruption, loyalty, and political stability within President Xi Jinping’s military ranks.
Largest Military Purge in Decades
According to the ministry’s statement, the nine men were suspected of “serious violations of party discipline” and involvement in “grave duty-related crimes” involving vast sums of money. Each has been dismissed from both the Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), signaling an extraordinary escalation in Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign.
Most of the expelled officials held three-star general ranks and served as members of the Communist Party’s Central Committee — the country’s top policymaking body. The announcement comes just days before the Party’s highly anticipated Fourth Plenum, where leaders are expected to finalize China’s new economic roadmap and appoint new members to key positions.
List of Expelled Officials
Those removed from their posts include:
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He Weidong – Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC)
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Miao Hua – Director of the CMC’s Political Work Department
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He Hongjun – Executive Deputy Director of the CMC’s Political Work Department
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Wang Xiubin – Executive Deputy Director of the CMC’s Joint Operations Command Centre
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Lin Xiangyang – Commander of the Eastern Theatre
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Qin Shutong – Political Commissar of the Army
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Yuan Huazhi – Political Commissar of the Navy
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Wang Houbin – Commander of the Rocket Forces
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Wang Chunning – Commander of the Armed Police Force
Among these, He Weidong stands out as the most senior figure — and the most politically significant. As the second-highest-ranking officer in China’s military, directly below Xi Jinping himself, his downfall underscores the unprecedented scale of the shake-up.
A Missing General and Mounting Suspicion
He Weidong’s disappearance from public life earlier this year had already sparked widespread speculation about an internal investigation. Once seen as a trusted ally of Xi, He’s sudden absence from key military events was interpreted by observers as a sign of deepening unrest within China’s armed forces.
His expulsion makes him the first serving Politburo member to be investigated for corruption — an event that analysts say is both politically symbolic and strategically timed.
The Defence Ministry’s statement was unflinching in tone:
“These men have seriously violated party discipline and are suspected of duty-related crimes involving extremely large sums of money, of extremely serious nature, and with highly detrimental consequences.”
It added that all nine individuals would face military prosecution, describing their removal as a “significant achievement” in the Party’s ongoing anti-corruption drive.
Political Purge or Anti-Corruption Campaign?
While Chinese authorities insist the move is part of President Xi’s long-standing campaign to root out corruption, political analysts say it also bears the hallmarks of a political purge.
The timing is crucial: the Fourth Plenum — a key Communist Party meeting — begins on 20 October, where Xi and the Central Committee are expected to discuss China’s economic development strategy and reshuffle leadership roles. The removal of so many high-ranking military officials could pave the way for new appointments more loyal to Xi’s leadership.
Neil Thomas, a senior fellow in Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, told BBC Chinese that the purges are central to Xi’s philosophy of governance.
“In Xi’s view, cutting out corrupt or disloyal cadres is part of the Party’s ‘self-revolution’ — a way to keep the organization disciplined, clean, and capable of ruling indefinitely.”
However, Thomas also warned of the risks.
“The system gets cleaner and more obedient, but also more cautious — and at times, more brittle. This is the price of Xi’s power.”
Previous Purges Set the Stage
This latest crackdown follows years of smaller but significant purges across China’s military and political establishment.
In recent years, former Defence Ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were abruptly dismissed amid corruption allegations. Several top commanders within the Rocket Forces, responsible for China’s nuclear arsenal, were also removed. Ironically, Wang Houbin, who replaced them in 2023, is now among those expelled.
The Central Military Commission had already signaled a coming purge earlier this year. In July, it issued new “iron rules” demanding the elimination of “toxic influences” within the military — an apparent warning to officers suspected of divided loyalties or financial misconduct.
Civilian officials have not escaped the widening campaign either. Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang disappeared from public view in 2023, while Liu Jianchao, who was tipped as his possible replacement, has not been seen since July.
Xi Jinping’s Grip on Power Tightens
Analysts say these purges reinforce Xi’s determination to maintain absolute control over the military — a cornerstone of his leadership since he took power in 2012. The PLA, viewed as the “armed wing” of the Communist Party, plays a central role in ensuring regime stability. Any sign of disloyalty, even perceived, can prompt swift and severe consequences.
Xi, who has consolidated his rule through constitutional changes and ideological campaigns, has framed corruption as an existential threat to China’s long-term governance. His sweeping anti-graft crusade — launched over a decade ago — has ensnared more than 4 million officials, including top generals, CEOs, and political heavyweights.
But critics argue that Xi’s anti-corruption agenda also serves to eliminate rivals and centralize authority. The simultaneous disappearance of multiple high-ranking figures across ministries and military branches has led some observers to suggest that Beijing is gripped by internal mistrust at the highest levels.
The Road Ahead: Political Tensions Mount
All eyes are now on the upcoming Fourth Plenum. The attendance — or absence — of key military and political figures will likely reveal the true extent of this internal shake-up.
“If attendance plunges,” Neil Thomas noted, “it would be the clearest public signal yet of how deep these purges have gone.”
As China faces slowing economic growth, rising debt, and diplomatic tensions abroad, President Xi’s latest move appears aimed at tightening internal discipline while sending a clear message: no one, not even top generals, is beyond scrutiny.
Whether the campaign strengthens China’s military integrity or exposes deeper fractures in its leadership remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — this unprecedented military purge marks a defining moment in Xi Jinping’s pursuit of absolute control over the world’s largest army.