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China announced the expulsion on Friday of two senior generals from the military and Communist Party, following corruption probes involving nine high-ranking military officials.
This is part of an ongoing effort to eliminate corruption within all levels of the party and government since President Xi Jinping took office over ten years ago.
It also comes just days ahead of a crucial four-day meeting of top officials in Beijing to discuss long-term economic strategies.
He Weidong, the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was one of nine individuals dismissed from the military for having “seriously violated” regulations, according to the defence ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang.
He has not been in public view since March, sparking speculation, although no formal inquiry had been announced previously.
The statement did not provide information about his current status.
Also expelled was Miao Hua, the former head of the military’s political work department, who was officially removed from his position, as reported by state media in June.
Eight of the accused were also stripped of their Communist Party membership after previously serving on its prestigious Central Committee, according to Zhang.
Xi has labelled corruption as “the biggest threat” to the Communist Party and remarked that “the fight against corruption remains serious and complex.”
Supporters argue that the initiative fosters clean governance, while others contend it serves as a mechanism for Xi to eliminate political adversaries.
“The severe punishment of He Weidong, Miao Hua… and others once again demonstrates the Party Central Committee and the CMC’s unwavering resolve to persevere in the fight against corruption,” said Zhang.
He added that the crackdown represents a “significant achievement in the Party and military’s anti-corruption campaign.”
Miao and He are not the only senior military officials to be affected by Xi’s anti-corruption campaign in recent years.
Former defence minister Li Shangfu was dismissed from his position in 2023, just seven months into his tenure, and subsequently expelled from the Party due to charges including suspected bribery.
This recent announcement coincides with the Communist Party’s preparations to hold an important meeting on Monday, referred to as the “fourth plenum,” which will concentrate on economic planning for the five years concluding in 2030.
This plan will be crucial in advancing President Xi Jinping’s primary goals, including achieving technological independence and military and economic development.
