China expelled nine top military officials, including He Weidong, over corruption and disciplinary violations, part of Xi’s anti-graft drive ahead of key political events.

On October 17, 2025, Chinese authorities expelled nine high-ranking military officials, including former CMC vice-chairman He Weidong, from the Chinese Communist Party following investigations into serious disciplinary violations and suspected duty-related crimes involving large sums of money. The CMC Discipline Inspection Commission led the probes, with cases referred to military prosecutors. The officials, many linked to the Eastern Theater Command and 73rd Group Army, were stripped of ranks and positions, reflecting President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign targeting personnel management within the PLA. The purge coincided with the CCP’s Fourth Plenum, which saw significantly reduced attendance—only about 82% of Central Committee members and 39% of PLA representatives present—raising speculation about broader political purges. The government stated the actions strengthened military discipline and readiness, aligning with Xi’s push to consolidate Party control over the armed forces ahead of the 15th Five-Year Plan.