The upcoming Fourth Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has sparked widespread speculation on how the CCP’s political landscape may evolve. One of the most crucial variables influencing the changes in the CCP’s political scene is the shifting dynamics of military power. Based on public reports from both domestic and international sources, let’s take a closer look at how many of the generals promoted and favored by Xi Jinping over the past 13 years have faced troubles. Perhaps, the answers lie within.
Publicly disclosed investigations involve 7 individuals, including former members of the Central Military Commission and State Council, such as Li Shangfu, Wei Fenghe, Miao Hua, Zhou Yaning, Li Yuchao, Wang Chunning, and former Air Force Commander Ding Hanglai.
One person whose investigation has not been officially announced is CCP Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, He Weidong. Reports from overseas suggest that He Weidong was taken away for investigation by the military discipline inspection commission after the closing session of the annual National People’s Congress on March 11, 2025. He has been “missing” for over 6 months, and indications point to him undergoing isolation for review.
Rumored investigations involve 15 individuals, including top commanders like Lin Xiangyang, Wang Haijiang, Wang Xiubin, Huang Ming, Wang Qiang, Xu Deqing, Han Weiguo, Qin Shutong, Yuan Huazhi, Qin Shengxiang, and others, as reported by overseas media.
Additionally, there are 5 individuals who may have been prematurely removed from their positions, such as Navy Commander Hu Zhongming, Army Commander Li Qiaoming, Information Support Force Political Commissar Li Wei, and others, who were absent from important events.
Among the generals who have been officially investigated, 13 individuals have faced scrutiny, including high-ranking officials like Zhang Zhenzhong, Li Chuanguang, Sun Jinming, and others.
There are 6 individuals who are speculated to be under investigation, such as Shang Hong, Ding Xingnong, Liu Guangbin, and others. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of these generals adds to the intrigue.
Tragically, former Rocket Force Deputy Commander Wu Guohua reportedly committed suicide by hanging in his home.
Furthermore, 3 generals have been publicly scrutinized, indicating a significant crackdown on corruption within the top military ranks.
The number of senior generals facing consequences within the first three years since Xi Jinping took office may surpass the total from the previous decade of Xi’s anti-corruption campaigns within the military.
Notably, the level of scrutiny and lack of transparency surrounding the investigations into high-ranking military officials post the 20th National Congress suggest a concerning trend of opacity within the CCP’s efforts to combat corruption within the armed forces.
The elimination of key figures who were close to Xi Jinping, such as He Weidong and Miao Hua, indicates a significant shakeup in the power dynamics within the military hierarchy and raises questions about who truly controls the military, ultimately shaping the future trajectory of the CCP’s political landscape.