Two high-ranking Chinese generals, He Weidong and Miao Hua, have been expelled from the Communist Party and the army for corruption, as part of an anti-corruption campaign.

These are the highest-ranking officials eliminated in an anti-corruption campaign that began in 2023. He Weidong, the number two general of China, is the first victim from the Central Military Commission since the Cultural Revolution. Both officials are accused of serious disciplinary violations and crimes related to their duties, involving large sums of money. He’s exclusion has significant implications, considering he was a close associate of President Xi Jinping and part of the Politburo. The announcement came ahead of an important plenum meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, where personnel decisions are expected. Observers suggest that these purges are part of a broader strategy by Xi to consolidate his power and appoint new members to the Central Military Commission.