In one of the most sweeping military purges China has seen in decades, the Communist Party has expelled nine top generals.
The move is sending shockwaves through Beijing’s power corridors.
The men, accused of serious financial crimes, include some of the country’s most senior military figures.
Among them is He Weidong, China’s second-highest-ranking officer after President Xi Jinping.
Once a Politburo member, He’s now the first serving official of that elite body to face investigation.
China’s defence ministry said the generals “seriously violated party discipline” and are now facing prosecution.
Power And Purge
But while the move is officially framed as part of Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, some analysts believe it’s about more than just cleaning house.
“Xi’s purges are meant to project strength,” said Neil Thomas of the Asia Society Policy Institute.
“He wants a loyal, disciplined system — but that also makes it more rigid and brittle.”
The timing is striking. The expulsions come just before the Party’s Fourth Plenum.
It is a key meeting on China’s economic future and political direction.
All eyes will be on who shows up. If attendance thins out, one thing will be clear.
In Xi’s China, even the most powerful uniforms aren’t safe from the next round of “self-revolution.”
