Top Chinese Military Commanders Purged Amid Anticorruption Crackdown
China has expelled two of its highest-ranking military commanders and seven other senior officials in a major anticorruption purge, according to the country's Defence Ministry. The move comes just days before the Communist Party's Central Committee is set to meet in Beijing, where more personnel decisions are expected.
The latest high-profile expulsion is that of General He Weidong, China's second-highest-ranking general, and navy admiral Miao Hua, the former top political officer at the Chinese military. Both men have been accused of serious misconduct linked to corruption, with General He facing removal from his position as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission.
The Defence Ministry announced their expulsion in a statement on Friday, citing "grave" violations of party discipline and suspicions of serious duty-related crimes involving large amounts of money. The move is seen as significant achievement for China's anticorruption campaign, but also raises questions about the consolidation of power under President Xi Jinping.
General He's removal from his position has implications beyond the military, as he sat on the 24-member Politburo, China's second-highest echelon of power. His expulsion marks the first time a sitting commander in the Central Military Commission has been removed since the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution.
The other senior officials purged include He Hongjun, Wang Xiubin, Lin Xiangyang, and two former political commissars of the PLA Army and Navy. Former People's Armed Police commander Wang Chunning was also removed from the national legislature last month, along with three other PLA generals.
Experts say that this type of shake-up in the Chinese military leadership has become increasingly normalised under Xi Jinping's rule. "It seems to be part of the progression of Xi Jinping's rule," said Ja Ian Chong, associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore. "In that sense, it would suggest that the party is becoming more centralised and control over the party's mechanisms is becoming stronger than ever."
The purge comes ahead of the Communist Party's Central Committee meeting in Beijing, where more personnel decisions are expected to be formalised.
China has expelled two of its highest-ranking military commanders and seven other senior officials in a major anticorruption purge, according to the country's Defence Ministry. The move comes just days before the Communist Party's Central Committee is set to meet in Beijing, where more personnel decisions are expected.
The latest high-profile expulsion is that of General He Weidong, China's second-highest-ranking general, and navy admiral Miao Hua, the former top political officer at the Chinese military. Both men have been accused of serious misconduct linked to corruption, with General He facing removal from his position as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission.
The Defence Ministry announced their expulsion in a statement on Friday, citing "grave" violations of party discipline and suspicions of serious duty-related crimes involving large amounts of money. The move is seen as significant achievement for China's anticorruption campaign, but also raises questions about the consolidation of power under President Xi Jinping.
General He's removal from his position has implications beyond the military, as he sat on the 24-member Politburo, China's second-highest echelon of power. His expulsion marks the first time a sitting commander in the Central Military Commission has been removed since the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution.
The other senior officials purged include He Hongjun, Wang Xiubin, Lin Xiangyang, and two former political commissars of the PLA Army and Navy. Former People's Armed Police commander Wang Chunning was also removed from the national legislature last month, along with three other PLA generals.
Experts say that this type of shake-up in the Chinese military leadership has become increasingly normalised under Xi Jinping's rule. "It seems to be part of the progression of Xi Jinping's rule," said Ja Ian Chong, associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore. "In that sense, it would suggest that the party is becoming more centralised and control over the party's mechanisms is becoming stronger than ever."
The purge comes ahead of the Communist Party's Central Committee meeting in Beijing, where more personnel decisions are expected to be formalised.
just saw the news about China purging top military commanders 
like what's going on there?? think it's pretty weird that they're expelling people left and right especially with Xi Jinping at the helm 
seems like a major power consolidation 
also heard that General He was a key player in politics too so this is definitely going to have some ripples in the party 
wonder what the next move will be 
they're supposed to serve the country not themselves 
it's not surprising though xi jinping's all about consolidating power and making sure everyone is in line 
if 2 top generals got caught up in some shady stuff then i guess it's just business as usual 
but seriously, who needs that much control? 
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and now they're like totally purging all these high-ranking officials 
that's like a major deal. And experts are saying this is just another step in Xi Jinping consolidating his control 
like, we knew he was trying to make China more authoritarian but wow 
will they be able to project power and maintain their influence globally? only time will tell 
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. The removal of General He Weidong and navy admiral Miao Hua is particularly noteworthy, given their high-ranking positions and potential influence on party decisions 
. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out in the coming weeks as more personnel decisions are formalized at the Communist Party's Central Committee meeting 
. Overall, it seems like Xi Jinping is using his anticorruption campaign as a means of maintaining control and solidifying his grip on power 
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. These high-profile expulsions might look like a good thing on paper, but trust me, it's all part of his master plan to consolidate power and silence anyone who dares to question him 
And let's not forget, this is all happening just in time for the Communist Party's Central Committee meeting – sounds like a perfect setup for Xi Jinping to make his move and solidify his grip on power 
. I'm not buying it, folks... 
, makes me wonder how this will affect the country's economy and global relationships 
gotta say, this anticorruption crackdown is getting intense in China 
And it's not just about rooting out corruption, it's also about consolidating power and strengthening control 
. The fact that experts are saying this is part of Xi's rule-by-merit (wink, wink) shows how far he's willing to go to get what he wants 
. But hey, as long as China keeps growing and thriving, I'll keep supporting my favorite platform 
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i mean 2 high-ranking generals and 7 other officials expelled already and it's not even march yet? what's the deal? is xi trying to consolidate power or somethin'? 