China has expelled two top generals from the military and ruling Communist Party amid an ongoing anti-corruption investigation into nine senior army officials.
The expelled officials include He Weidong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Miao Hua, former head of the military’s political work department. Both were removed for “seriously violating” discipline, according to a statement by defense ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang.
The announcement is part of a long-running effort by President Xi Jinping to eliminate graft at all levels of the Party and state since he assumed power over a decade ago. Eight of the nine officials were also stripped of their Communist Party membership, many of whom had served on the Party’s elite Central Committee.
He Weidong had not been publicly seen since March, raising speculation about his status, though no formal investigation had been announced until now. Miao Hua had been removed from his post in June.
Zhang emphasized that these actions demonstrate the Party Central Committee and CMC’s “unwavering resolve” in fighting corruption, reinforcing the Party and military’s cohesion, discipline, and combat readiness.
The crackdown is widely seen as part of Xi’s broader campaign against corruption, which critics argue also serves to consolidate his political control and purge rivals. Previous high-ranking military officials, including former defense minister Li Shangfu, were similarly removed in recent years over bribery and misconduct allegations.
The timing of the announcement is notable, coming days before the Communist Party’s highly anticipated “fourth plenum” in Beijing. This meeting will focus on long-term economic planning for the next five years, addressing goals such as technological self-sufficiency and strengthening China’s military and economic position.
Observers note that rooting out corruption in the military ahead of the plenum reinforces the leadership’s authority and ensures loyalty among senior officials, aligning with Xi’s vision of a disciplined and politically aligned armed forces.
The expulsion of He Weidong and Miao Hua reflects both the continuation of Xi’s anti-graft campaign and the Party’s strategic focus on consolidating power, reinforcing the central role of the military in achieving China’s long-term national objectives.
