In a sweeping move, the Chinese Communist Party has expelled nine top generals, including the military’s second-in-command, for alleged serious financial crimes, marking one of the largest public crackdowns on the armed forces in decades and signaling President Xi Jinping’s tightening grip on power.
The defense ministry announced on Friday that nine senior military officials were expelled from the party and the military after being suspected of “serious duty-related crimes involving an extremely large amount of money.” Among them is He Weidong, the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a member of the Politburo, making him the highest-ranking official purged in this campaign. The others include Miao Hua, former director of the CMC’s political work department, and commanders from various branches like the Eastern Theatre and Rocket Forces.
The expulsions are framed as part of an anti-corruption drive, with the ministry stating it represents a “significant achievement” in cleansing the military. However, analysts suggest that beyond corruption, the moves are politically motivated, aimed at removing potential rivals or disloyal elements within the ranks. This purge comes amid a broader effort by Xi to consolidate control over the People’s Liberation Army, which he leads as commander-in-chief.
He Weidong’s absence from public view since March had fueled speculation about his status, and his expulsion is the first of a sitting general on the Central Military Commission since the Cultural Revolution. His close ties to Xi, dating back to their time in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, highlight the personal nature of these purges. He was promoted directly to vice-chair in 2022, skipping usual steps, and played a key role in military exercises around Taiwan.
The timing is critical, as the announcement precedes the Communist Party’s Fourth Plenum, where the Central Committee is set to discuss economic plans and formalize personnel changes. Observers note that the expulsions may allow Xi to appoint new loyalists to key positions, reshaping the military leadership. The plenum, starting on October 20, will be closely watched for further indications of the purge’s extent.
This crackdown follows smaller purges in recent years, including the removal of former defense ministers and Rocket Force commanders. In July, the CMC issued new guidelines calling for the elimination of “toxic influence” in the military, setting the stage for this latest action. Civilian officials have also been targeted, such as the disappearance of foreign minister Qin Gang in 2023.
Analysts like Neil Thomas of the Asia Society Policy Institute argue that Xi’s purges are intended to project strength and ensure loyalty, but they risk making the system more rigid and cautious. Wen-Ti Sung of the Atlantic Council notes that the expulsions enable Xi to fill vacant positions with trusted allies, potentially strengthening his control but also exposing vulnerabilities in governance.
The broader implications include potential impacts on military morale and operational effectiveness, as well as signals to both domestic and international audiences about China’s political stability. The purge underscores Xi’s unwavering commitment to party discipline, even at the cost of upheaval in top ranks.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on the Fourth Plenum’s outcomes and any further announcements. If attendance drops significantly, it could indicate the purge’s scale, while new appointments will reveal Xi’s strategic priorities for the military in facing challenges like Taiwan tensions and global rivalries.