China has expelled two of its highest-ranking military officers along with seven other senior officials from the Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) amid allegations of corruption and misconduct. The announcement comes just days before the ruling Communist Party’s Central Committee is set to meet in Beijing.
Key Figures Targeted
- General He Weidong, China’s second-highest-ranking military officer and one of the vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
- Admiral Miao Hua, the PLA’s former top political officer.
Other officials implicated include:
- He Hongjun, former senior official at the PLA Political Work Department
- Wang Xiubin, of the CMC’s Joint Operations Command Centre
- Lin Xiangyang, former Eastern Theatre Command commander
- Two former political commissars of the PLA Army and Navy
- Former People’s Armed Police commander Wang Chunning
The officials were accused of seriously violating Party discipline and engaging in “duty-related crimes involving an extremely large amount of money,” according to the Ministry of Defence.
Historical Significance
General He’s removal is unprecedented, marking the first time a sitting CMC commander has been expelled since the 1966–1976 Cultural Revolution.
- He had not appeared publicly since March 2025, and the investigation had been undisclosed.
- At 68, He also served on the 24-member Politburo, the Communist Party’s second-highest echelon of power.
Admiral Miao was previously removed from the CMC in June after being investigated for “serious violations of discipline.”
Political Context
The purge coincides with preparations for the Fourth Plenum of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, where additional personnel changes are expected. Analysts see this as part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing consolidation of power.
- Ja Ian Chong, political science professor at the National University of Singapore, commented:
“This type of shake-up in the Chinese military leadership has become normalized and signals further centralization under Xi Jinping.”
Implications for the PLA and Party Leadership
Observers suggest that the expulsion of He and other senior officials reflects both:
- An anti-corruption drive within the PLA, aimed at disciplining senior commanders.
- Strengthening Xi Jinping’s control over military and party mechanisms.
The purge affects multiple branches of the PLA, including political and operational departments, indicating broad-reaching reforms and oversight.
What Comes Next
The Central Committee’s Fourth Plenum, starting Monday, is expected to:
- Formalize additional personnel changes
- Announce replacements for expelled military and party officials
- Reinforce Party discipline and anti-corruption measures
Observers believe these moves signal a more centralized military command and tighter Party control, aligning with Xi’s long-term strategy to consolidate power.
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