China Expels Nine Military Leaders Ahead of a Big Meeting

Advanced | October 23, 2025

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Major Reshuffle: China Expels Nine Military Leaders Before Key Meeting

The Announcement

On October 17, 2025, China announced that nine high‑ranking military officers—including He Weidong, the country’s second‑highest ranking general—have been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). (apnews.com)

Official Charges and Timing

The official statement said the group had committed “serious violations of Party discipline and law” and were suspected of major duty‑related crimes involving “exceptionally large sums of money.” (apnews.com)
The move comes just days before the CCP’s upcoming Fourth Plenum (scheduled around October 20–23) — a key meeting that will shape China’s next five‑year plan and leadership lineup. (en.wikipedia.org)

Broader Significance

The China expels nine military leaders announcement marks one of the largest purges in recent history, signaling deeper reforms and tighter control over the armed forces.

Why the China Expels Nine Military Leaders Case Matters for Leadership and Stability

Key Figures and Context

This purge is one of the biggest in decades — particularly notable because He Weidong held both senior military and Party roles: as vice‑chair of the CMC (Central Military Commission) and as a member of the 20th Politburo. (apnews.com)

Power Consolidation and Political Impact

By removing eight other senior commanders, the leadership is clearing the way for fresh appointments. Eight of the nine were full members of the Party’s Central Committee — giving the Party flexibility to elevate alternates at the Plenum. (apnews.com)
Analysts suggest this signals a double strategy: intensify the anti‑corruption campaign and consolidate the authority of Xi Jinping over the military. (reuters.com)

What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?

Disappearances Before the Announcement

Observers point out that high‑ranking officers had “quietly disappeared” from public view months before the announcement — a typical first sign of major disciplinary trouble in China. (reuters.com)

Timing and Strategy

The timing is strategic: the leadership shake‑up comes ahead of the Fourth Plenum, when China’s ruling elite will confirm changes to its leadership, military command structure, and future economic policies. (en.wikipedia.org)
For the PLA, this may mark a shift: the Party is signalling that even the highest military echelons are not immune to oversight — and reminding them where ultimate loyalty lies.

What Lies Ahead for China and the World?

Upcoming Plenum Decisions

For China, the Plenum will likely see the formal removal of expelled officials, promotions of loyalists, and further appointments to the CMC and Politburo. (reuters.com)

International and Economic Implications

International observers are watching for signs of whether this move weakens or strengthens China’s military strategy, especially regarding hotspots like Taiwan. He Weidong previously oversaw the Eastern Theater Command, which is closely tied to Taiwan contingency planning. (reuters.com)
For business and diplomatic partners of China, the purge adds another layer of uncertainty: not just about economics, but about the stability and direction of China’s power structure.

Vocabulary

Purge (noun) – the removal of people considered undesirable from an organization.
Example: “The leadership carried out a massive purge of top military officers.”
Expel (verb) – officially force someone to leave an organization.
Example: “Nine generals were expelled from the Party and the military.”
Echelon (noun) – a level or rank in an organization.
Example: “He Weidong reached the highest military echelon before his dismissal.”
Loyalist (noun) – a person who remains loyal to a powerful figure or cause.
Example: “The new appointments are expected to include many loyalists to Xi.”
Remit (verb) – to hand over (a matter) to an authority for decision or action.
Example: “Their cases were remitted to military prosecutors.”
Sweeping (adjective) – wide in scope or effect.
Example: “The anti‑corruption campaign has been sweeping across China’s military.”
Consolidate (verb) – to strengthen and make more secure.
Example: “The move helps Xi Jinping consolidate his control over the army.”
Contingency (noun) – a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
Example: “The Eastern Theater Command is preparing for a possible contingency over Taiwan.”
Faction (noun) – a smaller group within a larger group, often with differing beliefs or interests.
Example: “He Weidong was seen as part of Xi’s Fujian‑clique faction.” (en.wikipedia.org)
Reshuffle (noun) – a reorganization of personnel, especially in a government or organization.
Example: “The upcoming Plenum will include a major reshuffle of Party and military leadership.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What were the key reasons given for the expulsion of the nine military leaders?
Why is the timing of this announcement — just ahead of the Fourth Plenum — significant?
How might this purge affect the balance of power within the Chinese military and Party?
What are the potential implications of this leadership shake‑up for China’s foreign policy, especially regarding Taiwan?
How does the anti‑corruption narrative serve both a disciplinary and a political purpose in this case?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How important is military loyalty to a country’s leadership, and what risks arise if that loyalty is questioned?
In your view, what are the differences between genuine anti‑corruption efforts and political purges?
How do leadership changes in one country affect global business and economic partnerships?
What might be the impact on domestic public sentiment when high‑ranking officials are purged?
How should external observers (business leaders, diplomats, educators) interpret power shifts like this in a country like China?

Related Idiom or Phrase

“Clear the house” – to remove people from positions in order to start fresh or to enforce control.
Example: “By expelling the nine senior officers, Beijing is clearing the house before the Plenum and making room for new loyalists.”

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This article was inspired by: The Epoch Times, Reuters, Associated Press, and Financial Times.