China Expels Top General, Eight Officials Over Corruption

China’s ruling Communist Party has taken a sweeping action against corruption in the military, expelling nine senior officials, including Vice-Chair of the Central Military Commission, He Weidong, the Defence Ministry confirmed on Friday. The expulsion comes amid Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s long-standing anti-corruption campaign, a policy he has championed since coming to power in 2012. The crackdown on high-ranking military officials demonstrates the government’s determination to root out corruption and enforce discipline across the Chinese military hierarchy.

He Weidong, the second-highest ranking general in China and vice-chair of the Central Military Commission, is the most senior officer targeted in the ongoing anti-corruption drive. The Chinese government said the nine officials were suspected of serious misconduct involving extremely large sums of money, signaling the gravity of the alleged crimes. He Weidong has not been seen in public for months, often an early indication that a top official is under investigation. Alongside He, eight other senior military leaders, including Miao Hua, director of the CMC’s political work department, were removed from their posts for alleged corruption.

China’s anti-corruption campaign has become a defining policy of Xi Jinping, who has sought to consolidate power while restoring public confidence in the Communist Party. Since 2012, thousands of officials have been purged, ranging from mid-level bureaucrats to high-profile leaders, to ensure party loyalty and discipline. Analysts say this latest move against military leaders is both a political show of force and a practical step to replace key figures in the Central Committee with loyal alternates, reinforcing Xi’s influence over China’s military and political establishment.

The removal of these nine military officials underscores the high stakes of China’s anti-corruption efforts. He Weidong, who was elevated to the Central Military Commission in 2022 and formerly headed the Eastern Theater Command, holds significant operational responsibility, particularly regarding Taiwan. The expulsion of He and his colleagues clears the way for new appointments and ensures that China’s top military ranks remain closely aligned with Xi Jinping’s leadership. The government has referred all nine cases to military prosecutors for review and potential prosecution.

Experts note that high-ranking military officials in China wield substantial influence and privileges, both official and unofficial, making them prime targets in Xi’s anti-corruption campaign. The campaign, popular with the public, also serves as a strategic tool to enforce loyalty to the party and the president, ensuring that senior military officers cannot challenge Xi’s authority. Observers point out that this latest purge, coming just days before a major party meeting, is likely timed to consolidate political and military power while signaling the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

China’s anti-corruption drive has previously removed top defense ministers, including Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, illustrating the government’s willingness to tackle corruption even at the highest levels. The removal of He Weidong and the other eight military officials highlights the ongoing intensity of Xi Jinping’s policy and its role in shaping the leadership and direction of China’s armed forces. With the Communist Party preparing for its upcoming major meeting in Beijing, these expulsion decisions are expected to influence the selection of new Central Committee members and further cement Xi’s authority.