Potential Logic and Succession Drama as Nine PLA Generals Fall From Grace Following Key Communist Party Session
Recent developments within the Chinese military have sent shockwaves through the ranks. A significant Communist Party session resulted in the removal of nine high-ranking generals, highlighting ongoing anti-corruption efforts within the armed forces.
Key Generals Dismissed
On October 17, 2025, the Ministry of National Defense announced the expulsion of nine major generals from both the Communist Party and military service. The affected individuals were:
- He Weidong – Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission
- Miao Hua – Director of the Political Work Department
- He Hongjun – Executive Deputy Director of the Political Work Department
- Wang Xiubin – Executive Deputy Director of the Joint Operations Command Center
- Lin Xiangyang – Commander of the Eastern Theater Command
- Qin Shutang – Political Commissar of the Army
- Yuan Huazhi – Political Commissar of the Navy
- Wang Houbin – Commander of the Rocket Force
- Wang Chunning – Commander of the Armed Police Force
Except for Wang Houbin, all these officials held positions as Central Committee members, and their expulsions await confirmation by the Central Committee.
Significance of the Dismissals
This unprecedented wave of dismissals indicates two major developments in the military landscape. Firstly, the military has become a focal point of recent anti-corruption drives. Secondly, the upcoming Central Committee session is likely to address confirmations for the removed leaders, with expectations of further repercussions for lower-ranking officers.
Historical Context
The last comparable incident of such magnitude dates back over 60 years. He Weidong is the first serving Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission to be purged since the Cultural Revolution. Historically, under Xi Jinping’s leadership, there have been 22 major generals expelled, marking a stark increase in military discipline enforcement.
Internal Dynamics and Power Struggles
Many of the affected generals rose swiftly under Xi Jinping’s tenure, reflecting a broader trend of rapid promotions within the military. The original structure of the armed forces has shifted dramatically, especially since 2015 when reforms consolidated command into the Central Military Commission.
Corruption as a Recurring Theme
Experts, including Victor Shih from UC San Diego, suggest that this recent scandal stems from the increased control and visibility of funding related to nuclear capabilities, creating opportunities for corruption. There are also concerns about personal ambitions among the purged leaders, echoing historical power struggles within the military.
Future Implications for the Chinese Military
The recent dismissals raise questions about how vacancies will be filled. The upcoming Central Committee is expected to address the replacement of key positions, potentially reshaping the leadership landscape.
Speculation on Successors
Key figures such as Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin may be considered for promotion to the role of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Current military leaders are being repositioned to fill critical roles previously held by the dismissed generals.
In summary, the recent wave of dismissals reflects both immediate issues within the military’s leadership and broader trends in Chinese Communist Party politics. The fallout from this significant session will likely influence military governance for years to come.
