In a significant escalation of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, China has expelled General He Weidong, the second-highest-ranking officer in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), along with eight other senior military officials from the Communist Party and the military. The Ministry of National Defense announced the expulsions on October 17, 2025, citing “serious violations of discipline and law” and involvement in major financial misconduct.
General He, a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and a member of the Politburo, is the most senior PLA official to be removed from office since the Cultural Revolution. His dismissal is part of a broader effort by President Xi to assert control over the military and eliminate corruption within its ranks.
The other officials expelled include Admiral Miao Hua, the former top political officer of the PLA, and commanders from various branches of the military. All nine individuals are under investigation for alleged crimes involving significant sums of money, and their cases have been referred to military prosecutors for further action.
The timing of the purge, just days before a key Communist Party Central Committee meeting, has raised speculation about its political implications. Analysts suggest that the move may be aimed at consolidating President Xi’s power ahead of the meeting, where leadership reshuffles and the unveiling of China’s new five-year economic plan are expected.
The anti-corruption campaign, which began in 2012, has intensified in recent years, particularly targeting the defense sector. Over 20 PLA officers and defense executives have been investigated so far, and the latest purge signals that President Xi is determined to root out corruption and ensure the loyalty of the military.
The PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the military, published a scathing editorial condemning the expelled generals as “disloyal” and accusing them of “a total collapse of their beliefs.” The editorial emphasized that the actions of these officials had dealt a “serious blow to the integrity and discipline of the armed forces,” underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption at all levels.
