China Expels Three Senior Military Officers Amid Intensified Anti-Corruption Drive

Senior Military Figures Removed from Legislature

Beijing, China – In a significant development within China's armed forces, three high-ranking military officers, including an admiral and two generals, have been expelled from the national legislature. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress announced on Saturday, December 28, 2025, the removal of Admiral Wang Renhua, General Zhang Hongbing, and General Wang Peng from their legislative positions. This action marks the latest phase in President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has increasingly targeted the military establishment.

The expulsions follow a period of speculation surrounding the officers' noticeable absences from several key military and political events in recent months, including a celebration for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) anniversary in July and the Communist Party's fourth plenum in October.

Details of the Expelled Officers

The three officers held prominent roles within China's military hierarchy:

• Wang Renhua, an admiral, served as the head of the Central Military Commission's (CMC) Political and Legal Affairs Committee. He was promoted to admiral by President Xi Jinping in March 2024 and was responsible for overseeing the military's courts, procuratorates, and prisons.
• Zhang Hongbing, a general, held the position of political commissar of the People's Armed Police (PAP). He was promoted to full general in 2022.
• Wang Peng, also a general, was the director of the CMC's training department, a role he assumed in 2021.

Despite their expulsion from the national legislature, all three individuals reportedly retain their status as full members of the Central Committee, the Communist Party's top decision-making body.

Context of the Anti-Corruption Campaign

President Xi Jinping has made the anti-corruption drive a cornerstone of his leadership since coming to power in 2012, aiming to root out graft and reinforce loyalty within the military. This latest purge underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain discipline and integrity across the armed forces. Analysts suggest these moves are part of a broader strategy to tighten control over the military and eliminate corruption at the highest levels.

The current expulsions are part of a series of high-profile dismissals. In June 2024, former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe were also expelled from the Communist Party over corruption allegations, with their cases transferred to military prosecutors. Li Shangfu had been removed from his post as defense minister in October 2023, and his successor, Admiral Dong Jun, was appointed in December 2023.

Implications for China's Military

The continuous purges within the People's Liberation Army highlight the Chinese leadership's commitment to internal scrutiny and control. Observers note that these developments could have significant implications for the military's operational structure and future leadership appointments. The campaign aims to ensure the 'absolute loyalty' of the armed forces to the Communist Party and President Xi Jinping.