The Chinese Communist Party military purge has reached unprecedented levels with nine senior generals expelled in what analysts describe as the most extensive China military corruption crackdown in decades. This sweeping action targeting the Central Military Commission comes as Beijing prepares for a crucial Fourth Plenum meeting next week.
Xi Jinping Anti-Corruption Campaign Targets Defense Leadership
The People’s Liberation Army purge represents a dramatic escalation in President Xi Jinping’s decade-long effort to eliminate corruption within China’s armed forces. Beijing’s defense ministry confirmed that nine high-ranking Chinese military officials expelled from both party membership and military service face prosecution for severe financial misconduct involving massive sums of money.
The Central Military Commission announced that all nine PLA generals removed held positions across multiple service branches, with most carrying three-star rankings. According to the official statement, these commanders “seriously violated party discipline” and engaged in duty-related crimes of “extremely serious nature” with “extremely detrimental consequences.”
He Weidong Expulsion Marks Historic Moment
The most significant figure in this China military corruption crackdown is He Weidong, who served as Vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission. His position placed him as the second-highest military official in China’s command structure, directly beneath President Xi Jinping.
The He Weidong expulsion carries particular weight because he simultaneously held membership in the Politburo, making him the first serving Politburo member to face such investigation. He disappeared from public appearances in March 2025, triggering speculation about an impending purge of military leadership.
Complete List of CMC Generals Dismissed
The comprehensive Chinese Communist Party military purge includes:
- He Weidong – Vice-chairman of Central Military Commission
- Miao Hua – Director of CMC political work department
- He Hongjun – Executive deputy director of political operations
- Wang Xiubin – Deputy director of joint operations command
- Lin Xiangyang – Commander of Eastern Theatre
- Qin Shutong – Army political commissar
- Yuan Huazhi – Navy political commissar
- Wang Houbin – Rocket Forces commander
- Wang Chunning – Armed Police Force commander
China Defense Ministry Purge Follows Previous Removals
This People’s Liberation Army purge continues a pattern of high-profile dismissals within China’s security apparatus. The Xi Jinping anti-corruption campaign previously targeted two consecutive defense ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, who were both removed from their positions in separate investigations.
The Rocket Forces underwent extensive restructuring in recent years, with multiple senior commanders dismissed for alleged corruption. Notably, Wang Houbin, one of the nine officials now expelled, had previously replaced a purged Rocket Forces commander before facing his own removal.
Civilian officials have also faced scrutiny, including foreign minister Qin Gang who vanished from public view in 2023 without explanation. His potential replacement, Liu Jianchao, has been absent from official events since July.
Central Military Commission Issues New Discipline Guidelines
The China military corruption crackdown gained momentum after the CMC issued comprehensive guidelines in July 2025 demanding elimination of “toxic influence” within military ranks. These “iron rules” established strict standards for cadre behavior and signaled intensified scrutiny of financial practices across all service branches.
Political Implications for Fourth Plenum China
The timing of this Chinese Communist Party military purge gains significance given the upcoming Fourth Plenum scheduled for October 20-23, 2025. This critical gathering will address China’s economic development strategy and approve new leadership appointments throughout government structures.
Neil Thomas, a fellow in Chinese politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute, explains that Xi views these purges as essential for party vitality. “In his view, cutting out corrupt or disloyal cadres is the Party’s ‘self-revolution’ to become a clean, disciplined, and effective organization capable of ruling indefinitely,” Thomas stated.
However, he cautioned that extensive purges carry inherent risks for governance effectiveness. “The system gets cleaner and more obedient, but also more cautious—and at times, more brittle,” Thomas noted.
Attendance Will Reveal Purge Scope
Political observers will closely monitor participation at the Fourth Plenum China gathering. Significant absences among Central Committee members would indicate the investigation extends beyond the nine publicly named officials, suggesting broader restructuring of military and party leadership.
Several senior military figures have disappeared from official events in recent months without explanation, fueling speculation about additional unreported investigations within the People’s Liberation Army.
Military Prosecution Awaits Expelled Generals
All nine officials in this China defense ministry purge now face military legal proceedings. Their cases have been transferred to military procuratorial authorities for criminal prosecution involving “duty-related crimes” and financial misconduct.
The defense ministry emphasized that these expulsions represent a “significant achievement” in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign. By stripping these commanders of party membership and military rank, authorities signal that no position offers immunity from investigation, regardless of seniority or political connections.
Largest People’s Liberation Army Purge in Modern Era
This Chinese Communist Party military purge surpasses previous actions in both scale and scope. The simultaneous removal of nine senior commanders, including the CMC Vice-chairman, creates unprecedented disruption within China’s military command structure.
The Xi Jinping anti-corruption campaign demonstrates his unwavering determination to maintain absolute control over the People’s Liberation Army while eliminating potential sources of resistance or disloyalty. This sweeping action reinforces his position as the undisputed leader of both party and armed forces as China enters a critical period of economic and political planning.
