From March 16th to 20th, 2026, within a span of five days, three high-ranking former military officials in China were investigated for alleged serious violations of discipline and law. Jiang Ruhua, former Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Water Resources, Haodongchen, former Deputy Director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Cultural Relics, and Liulinbo, Deputy Director of the People’s Congress of Xuchang City, Henan Province, all fell from grace. They were all former high-ranking military officials who had served in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and People’s Armed Police Force.
Numerous former high-ranking military officials in China have been investigated since 2026, including Yang Hongyong, a senior official at the Harbin Electric Group. Yang had served at various military posts before transitioning to civilian roles.
On March 20, 2026, the official website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China reported that Jiang Ruhua, born in June 1962 in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, a graduate of the National Defense University with a Master’s degree in Military Studies, was under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
Similarly, on March 19, 2026, the website reported that Haodongchen, born in January 1955 in Qingfeng, Henan Province, was being investigated for similar allegations. His military career included posts in units under the former Beijing Military Region.
Following suit, on March 16, 2026, the website reported that Liulinbo, born in October 1967 in Nanyang City, Henan Province, was also under investigation. Prior to his civilian roles, he had served in the armed forces and later in the fire brigade.
In another instance, on January 30, 2026, the website reported that Xu Zhihua, born in September 1957 in Jiangxi, was undergoing investigation for alleged violations. His past military service included positions within the Engineering Battalion and later in the Beijing Military Region Engineer Brigade.
In a separate incident, on March 13, 2026, the website reported that Li Hang, born in 1968, previously served in the military before joining the Sichuan Airlines Company.
Moreover, on January 24, 2026, the website reported that Yang Hongyong, born in September 1962 in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province, had voluntarily surrendered and was under investigation for serious violations. Before his transition, he had held various military positions.
The increasing number of investigations involving former military officials reflects an ongoing purge within the Chinese military. Reports suggest that a new wave of resignations and transitions amongst military officers has emerged following the arrest of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, in January 2026.
The recent reduction in the number of military representatives at the National People’s Congress and the retirement or transition of other officers indicate a shift in the armed forces.
According to public reports, the number of retired military personnel finding civilian employment has been on the rise, with over 60,000 officers and soldiers successfully transitioning in 2024, a significant increase from previous years. This trend is expected to continue as the Chinese military undergoes structural changes.