Beijing, 17 October 2025 — The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced the expulsion of He Weidong, China’s second-highest-ranking general and vice-chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC), along with eight senior military officials. The group was removed from both the Party and the military in what analysts call the most dramatic purge in decades.
The Defence Ministry said He and the others were suspected of “serious violations of Party discipline and law” involving massive sums of money. He had not appeared in public for several months, a common sign of political trouble in China’s elite circles.
Among those expelled were Miao Hua, head of the CMC’s Political Work Department, and several high-ranking members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) who also sat on the CCP’s Central Committee. The announcement came just days before the Fourth Plenum, a major Party meeting where leaders set China’s domestic and military priorities for the next five years.
The Significance of the Purge
A high-level target
He Weidong’s removal is extraordinary. As CMC vice-chair and a full member of the 24-person Politburo, he ranked among China’s most powerful figures. Analysts note this is the first time since the Cultural Revolution that a sitting CMC vice-chair has been dismissed publicly while still in office.
Xi’s objectives
By ousting senior figures, President Xi Jinping aims to achieve two goals: eliminate corruption within the armed forces and reinforce political loyalty to the Party. The move combines a “clean-up” with a clear message of power consolidation.
Many expelled officers held positions in both the military and the Central Committee. Their removal opens seats for new appointments, most likely drawn from Xi’s trusted circle. This deepens the alignment between Party leadership and the PLA’s command structure.
A Broader Message
The timing and scale of the purge send a powerful signal. Just before a key Party meeting, it tells both domestic and foreign audiences that China will not tolerate corruption—even at the top. It also underscores Xi’s firm grip on both the Party and the military.
Why Now?
1. Military modernization
China is upgrading its forces to strengthen its presence in Taiwan, the South China Sea, and beyond. Any corruption within the PLA undermines that mission. The purge appears tied to this modernization drive, ensuring resources are properly used.
2. Ensuring loyalty
Amid rising tensions with the United States and regional rivals, Xi wants a force that follows Party orders without question. Removing powerful figures who might hold independent influence helps secure that loyalty.
3. Political timing
Launching the crackdown just before the Fourth Plenum lets the Party project unity and stability. It removes internal uncertainty before critical policy discussions.
4. Preserving legitimacy
Since 2012, anti-corruption has been a pillar of Xi’s rule. High-profile expulsions reinforce the Party’s claim to moral discipline and strengthen public trust—at least in appearance.
Implications
For the military
The loss of top commanders will trigger a rapid reshuffle. Several expelled officers oversaw key units, including the Eastern Theatre Command, which focuses on Taiwan. This could affect operational continuity in the short term.
However, the purge may also make officers more cautious. Fear of investigation could stifle initiative, replacing flexibility with political conformity.
For governance
The move reflects how anti-graft campaigns double as tools of political control. Similar actions may spread to other government sectors. In Xi’s China, loyalty often outweighs competence.
For international observers
Abroad, the purge signals a leadership determined to close internal ranks during a time of global pressure. Foreign analysts see it as an attempt to remove any cracks in China’s chain of command while preparing for a more assertive military posture.
Risks and Challenges
While the purge bolsters Xi’s control, it brings new risks:
- Operational gaps: Replacing top officers quickly can disrupt command continuity.
- Unclear accusations: The lack of transparency may raise doubts about the fairness of the investigations.
- Overreach: If anti-corruption becomes synonymous with political purging, it could discourage innovation within the PLA.
- External perception: To allies and rivals alike, the campaign may suggest instability rather than strength.
What to Watch
New leadership: Who fills the vacant positions? Will they come from loyalist factions tied to Xi? Their appointments will reveal how far the President intends to tighten control.
Investigation transparency: Will China release any details about the corruption charges, or will the cases remain hidden from the public?
Plenum outcomes: The Fourth Plenum may embed new rules to enhance Party oversight over the military. The purge will likely shape these policies.
Foreign policy impact: With He Weidong gone, Beijing’s approach toward Taiwan and the South China Sea may shift, at least temporarily, as new commanders take charge.
Internal morale: Senior officers might react with caution or fear. The balance between discipline and confidence in the ranks will determine the PLA’s future stability.
Final Analysis
The expulsion of He Weidong and eight others marks one of the most significant power shifts in China’s recent military history. It blends anti-corruption, reform, and control into a single political maneuver.
At face value, the move highlights the CCP’s intolerance for graft. Yet beneath that message lies a deeper motive—to ensure absolute loyalty at every level of China’s defense structure. The purge demonstrates Xi’s intent to command both moral authority and military obedience.
However, such sweeping actions can unsettle an institution built on hierarchy and stability. The uncertainty that follows may test the PLA’s cohesion and its ability to modernize effectively.
In the months ahead, observers will watch whether this is an isolated clean-up or the beginning of a broader political recalibration. For now, it stands as a defining moment in Xi’s campaign to align China’s military might with his vision of Party supremacy and national revival.
