Chinese Anti-Graft Campaign: Month After 3 Top Military Officials Expelled, 2 Under Investigation

Fresh probes into senior officers signal that Beijing’s sweeping anti-corruption drive within the PLA is intensifying rather than slowing

China’s far-reaching anti-graft campaign within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has entered another decisive phase, with two senior military officials placed under investigation barely a month after three top commanders were expelled from the Communist Party. The rapid succession of disciplinary actions highlights the relentless pace of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to reshape the armed forces and enforce political loyalty at the highest levels.

For observers inside and outside China, the latest developments underline a clear message from Beijing: the campaign against corruption and misconduct in the military is far from over, and rank offers no protection.

A Campaign Gaining Momentum

Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive has been a defining feature of his leadership since he came to power. While it initially targeted civilian officials and business elites, the PLA has increasingly become a central focus. Over the past decade, dozens of generals and senior officers have been investigated, dismissed, or sentenced, fundamentally altering the military’s leadership landscape.

The expulsion of three top military officials last month was widely seen as a major escalation. Their removal sent shockwaves through the officer corps, signaling that even those with long careers and high-level connections were vulnerable. The announcement that two more senior figures are now under investigation suggests that the campaign is not merely symbolic but systematic.

Why the PLA Is in the Spotlight

Corruption within the PLA has long been considered a sensitive but persistent problem. From procurement kickbacks to illicit promotions, entrenched practices developed over decades as China’s military expanded rapidly and managed vast budgets. These practices, according to Beijing, undermined combat readiness and eroded the party’s control over the armed forces.

Xi has repeatedly stressed that the PLA must remain “absolutely loyal” to the Communist Party. In China’s political system, the military does not serve the state independently but operates as the party’s armed wing. Any sign of corruption or factionalism is therefore treated not just as a legal issue, but as a political threat.

The latest investigations reinforce this view, framing anti-graft efforts as essential to national security rather than merely administrative cleanup.

What the New Investigations Suggest

While official statements typically provide few details, investigations at this level often point to serious violations of discipline. These can include financial misconduct, abuse of authority, or breaches of political loyalty. In some cases, corruption allegations intersect with concerns about ideological alignment or involvement in informal power networks.

Analysts note that many recent cases have emerged from strategic sectors such as weapons procurement, logistics, and missile forces—areas involving large budgets and critical capabilities. Tightening oversight in these domains is central to Xi’s broader goal of military modernization.

The timing of the new probes, so soon after high-profile expulsions, suggests that investigators are working through a wider network rather than isolated individuals.

Impact on the Military Hierarchy

Frequent investigations and expulsions inevitably reshape the PLA’s internal dynamics. Promotions and appointments increasingly favor officers seen as politically reliable and closely aligned with Xi’s vision. This has accelerated generational change within the ranks, with younger commanders moving up as older figures fall from favor.

Supporters of the campaign argue that this process strengthens the military by removing corrupt influences and restoring discipline. Critics, however, warn that constant purges can foster caution and fear, discouraging initiative among commanders who worry about political missteps.

Despite these concerns, the leadership appears confident that tighter control outweighs the risks.

Political Significance Beyond the Military

The ongoing investigations also carry broader political implications. They reinforce Xi Jinping’s dominance within the Communist Party at a time when he has consolidated power across key institutions. By demonstrating that the anti-graft campaign remains active, Xi signals to elites that compliance and loyalty are mandatory.

The move also helps Xi maintain public support. Anti-corruption efforts remain popular among ordinary citizens, who often view them as proof that the leadership is serious about accountability—even if the process lacks transparency.

Internationally, the developments offer rare insights into China’s opaque power structures, revealing internal tensions that are usually hidden from view.

What Comes Next

With two more senior officials now under investigation, few expect the campaign to slow. Further disciplinary actions are likely as authorities continue to scrutinize military finances, promotions, and strategic programs.

As China faces growing regional and global challenges, from security competition to technological rivalry, Xi has made it clear that he wants a military that is not only modern but politically dependable. The latest investigations underscore that achieving this goal remains a top priority.

One month after the expulsion of three top officers, the addition of two more investigations sends an unmistakable signal: China’s anti-graft campaign within the PLA is deepening, widening, and reshaping the military’s future—one senior figure at a time.