China Purges Top Military Generals Amid Sweeping Anti-Corruption Drive

High-Ranking Military Officials Expelled

Beijing, China – In a significant move underscoring President Xi Jinping's intensified anti-corruption campaign, China has announced the expulsion of General He Weidong, the second-highest-ranking officer in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), from the Communist Party and the military. The announcement, made around October 17, 2025, also confirmed the dismissal of eight other senior military officials on suspicion of serious misconduct linked to corruption.

General He Weidong, who also held a seat on the influential 24-member Politburo, had not been seen in public since March 2025, fueling speculation about his status. His removal marks him as the most senior official targeted in the ongoing anti-graft drive. The Defense Ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, stated that the nine officials are suspected of 'extremely serious crimes involving exceptionally large sums of money' and that their cases have been referred to military prosecutors for review and prosecution.

Broader Anti-Graft Campaign Targets PLA

The recent expulsions are part of a broader anti-corruption push initiated by President Xi Jinping, which has seen an unprecedented number of high-ranking military officials purged since mid-2023. This campaign aims to eliminate corruption, consolidate control, and ensure unwavering loyalty within the armed forces.

Other prominent figures caught in the dragnet include:

• Admiral Miao Hua: Former top political officer in the PLA and a member of the CMC, also expelled alongside He Weidong.
• Li Shangfu: Former Defense Minister, dismissed in October 2023 and expelled from the Communist Party in June 2024 on corruption allegations.
• Wei Fenghe: Li Shangfu's predecessor as Defense Minister, also expelled from the Communist Party in June 2024 for similar charges.
• Several senior generals from the PLA Rocket Force, responsible for China's nuclear arsenal, including former commanders Li Yuchao and Wang Houbin, were reportedly under investigation for corruption.

Implications for PLA Stability and Credibility

The extensive purges, particularly within the highest echelons of the military, have raised significant questions regarding the stability, morale, and overall credibility of the People's Liberation Army. Analysts suggest that while the campaign aims to strengthen Xi's grip on the military and enhance its discipline, it could also lead to leadership vacuums and internal disruptions in the short term.

The accusations against the dismissed officials include accepting gifts and money, facilitating improper benefits for others, and 'serious violations of party discipline and the law'. The ongoing investigations by the Central Military Commission highlight systemic issues within military procurement and personnel management. Despite the internal turmoil, Beijing continues to project an image of strength and stability, with state media emphasizing the party's 'unwavering resolve' to combat corruption.