Ex-Commander of China’s Military Accused of Corruption and Expelled From Party

Live updates

1. 54m ago

   China Expels Top Military Leaders Over Corruption Charges

   China has expelled two top military leaders from the ruling Communist Party following accusations of corruption. One former military chief has been handed over to prosecutors for further legal action. A military mouthpiece stated that the removal of these PLA chiefs eliminated political danger. These purges are part of a broader effort by Xi Jinping to cleanse the military ranks, though the removals have raised questions regarding the military's actual ability to wage war.

   Why it matters

   Xi Jinping has used systemic purges to consolidate control over the People's Liberation Army. These actions aim to ensure absolute loyalty to the party leadership. The scale of these removals suggests deep-seated instability or systemic graft within the high command.

   What is confirmed

   • China expelled two top military leaders from the Communist Party due to corruption accusations.
   • A former military chief was handed over to prosecutors.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The downfall of PLA chiefs eliminated political danger.
   • Purges of top military commanders have caused questions about China's war-waging ability.

   What to watch next

   • Appointment of new commanders to replace the expelled leaders.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Foreign Affairs — China’s Purges Are Working as Designed
   2. The New York Times — Ex-Commander of China’s Military Accused of Corruption and Expelled From Party
   3. AP News — China expels 2 top military leaders accused of corruption from the ruling Communist Party
   4. Reuters — China's purges of top military commanders spur questions about war-waging ability
   5. The Times — Xi Jinping’s purged military chief is handed over to prosecutors
   6. SCMP — PLA chiefs’ downfall eliminated ‘political danger’, military mouthpiece says
   confidence 90%