On October 17, 2025, China’s Defense Ministry announced the expulsion of General He Weidong, vice-chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and eight other senior officers. The expulsions are reportedly due to suspected corruption involving significant sums of money. This action occurred days before a key Communist Party Central Committee meeting.

Story Highlights

• China’s No. 2 general, He Weidong, and eight other top officers were expelled for alleged corruption.
• The expulsions precede a significant Communist Party policy meeting.
• This move is seen as President Xi Jinping’s latest effort to consolidate control over the military.
• The timing and scale of these expulsions raise questions about potential political purges and the stability of Chinese military command.

Details of the Crackdown

General He Weidong, the highest-ranking general to be purged in recent history, is currently under investigation by military prosecutors. This event underscores President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted high-level officials within China’s military and party leadership since 2012, resulting in the punishment of over a million officials.

The scale and public nature of these expulsions are notable, particularly as they affect the CMC, the party’s top military body. Only four of the seven appointees to the CMC in 2022 remain, indicating a significant turnover and Xi’s intent to further consolidate his authority. These expulsions follow the earlier removals of defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe in 2024. The proximity of these events to a crucial party conclave emphasizes Xi’s focus on enforcing loyalty and discipline amid increasing geopolitical tensions.

🇨🇳 The Chinese Communist Party has purged nine top generals in one of its largest public crackdowns on the military in decades

The nine men are suspected of serious financial crimes. pic.twitter.com/JRiRpqAg7o

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) October 17, 2025

Analysis of Motives and Implications

President Xi Jinping, who holds roles as president, general secretary of the Communist Party, and CMC chair, is central to these purges. The expulsions are viewed by some as a warning against challenging party authority, particularly in the context of internal dissent or external threats. Analysts suggest the campaign serves both as a genuine effort to address corruption and as a strategic move to eliminate rivals and strengthen Xi’s control over the military. The reduced membership of the CMC could increase Xi’s direct influence, potentially affecting broader military representation and institutional stability.

China’s system differs from Western democracies in its direct party control over the military. This episode highlights the dynamics of executive authority within China.

Impact on U.S. Security and Global Stability

The immediate consequences of these expulsions could include short-term instability within China’s military hierarchy, leading to increased scrutiny of remaining leaders. In the longer term, while Xi’s consolidation of power may aim to deter corruption, there is a risk of reduced morale and effectiveness if purges are perceived as politically motivated. Given the Chinese military’s role in regional security, particularly concerning Taiwan, any disruption in command could have broader implications for international strategic interests.

Analysts and scholars offer varying perspectives, with some cautioning that repeated purges may undermine the effectiveness of China’s armed forces, while others argue that addressing corruption is essential for national strength. The wider impact extends to state-owned enterprises and government agencies, where increased vigilance is now a common practice.

While international sources have confirmed the facts of the purge, specific details regarding the allegations have not been disclosed.

Watch the report: Xi Jinping’s PLA Purge: Top Generals Ousted Amid Corruption Scandal | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Sources:

China Expels No. 2 General and Eight Others from Communist Party in Anti-Corruption Drive
China’s 2nd Ranked General He Weidong Under Corruption Probe, Removed from Army & Ruling Party