CHINA: Xi Jinping has launched a new campaign to impose party discipline and eradicate corruption in the military, urging military chiefs to address issues at party organizations and enforce absolute leadership over the military.
The Central Military Commission, Xi’s highest military leadership body, called for an early warning mechanism for integrity risks and revealed an investigation into fraud in military equipment purchases.
The People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force, responsible for the nation’s nuclear and missile arsenals, has seen several high leaders disappear from public view, indicating an inquiry. Former foreign minister Qin Gang missed a month of public appearances before being replaced by Wang Yi.
The PLA Rocket Force commander, Li Yuchao, was not included in Xi Jinping’s elevation of senior generals and reportedly missed the Rocket Force’s general officer summer promotion ceremony, which PLA experts deemed “highly anomalous.”
A Hong Kong-based newspaper reports that Li Yuchao and his deputy Liu are among several PLA Rocket Force officials under investigation. The arrests and detentions of lower-level officials in late last year indicate a larger investigation, as senior cadres are often arrested for corruption months after investigations into subordinate officials.
Over 39 senior military and political cadres have been detained since the 20th party congress in October, according to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The campaign against corruption aims to eradicate political enemies and punish pervasive wrongdoing under Xi Jinping. Since 2012, thousands of high-level and lower-level officials, executives, and anti-graft watchdogs have been involved.
It is unclear whether Xi’s increased focus on the military, particularly the Rocket Force, is due to political loyalty concerns or a specific incident. The Rocket Force is responsible for China’s growing nuclear deterrent and missile systems, which could potentially attack Taiwan. The leaders of the Rocket Force are being investigated for leaking military material, as foreign intelligence sources have a detailed understanding of the organization’s structure.
The trial of former vice-chairs of the Communist Party (CMC) in 2014 highlighted the need to re-emphasize the fight against corruption and party loyalty.
Media urges cadres to strengthen military governance before PLA Day on August 1, commemorating the CCP’s armed forces. Former US Secretary of Defence Lyle Morris claims this raises questions about loyalty to the party, stating that Xi’s control consolidation is not complete.
Xi has moved military watchdogs to the CMC, revitalized party organs, and established rules to limit corruption. However, recent investigations show these improvements failed, as the CMC chair’s authority was strengthened, giving him sole control over the military.
The Rocket Force leaders’ selection process had loose ends, affecting Xi’s leadership, as he personally chose them, according to Andrew Yang, who warns he must mitigate military effects.
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