China has dismissed nine senior military officers, including Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission He Weidong, in what officials are calling one of the most significant anti-corruption crackdowns in the country’s recent history.
The Chinese Ministry of Defense confirmed the removals late Friday, stating that the officers are under investigation for “serious violations and grave misconduct.” Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said the cases have been handed over to military prosecutors for further legal action.
He Weidong, one of China’s most prominent military figures, was appointed to the powerful Central Military Commission in 2022 but had not been seen publicly for several months, fueling speculation about his status.
The purge is part of President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which began after he took office in 2012. Since then, thousands of military and government officials — including political rivals and senior commanders — have been removed, investigated, or imprisoned.
Analysts say the move underscores Xi’s determination to maintain strict political control and discipline within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) while reinforcing his broader push for transparency and loyalty across China’s governing institutions.
The timing of the dismissals coincides with efforts to modernize China’s defense sector and restore public trust amid concerns about corruption within strategic military procurement and logistics networks.
Observers note that this latest action sends a powerful message: in Xi’s China, no official — no matter how high-ranking — is beyond accountability
