China Expels Four Senior Defense Leaders Amid Military Purge and Anti-Graft Campaign
China has expelled four senior defense leaders from its political advisory body, part of a broader military purge amid an anti-corruption campaign affecting multiple industries. The decision, made during a CPPCC chairpersons' council meeting on December 24, also led to the removal of four senior leaders from state-owned enterprises in energy, medical, and logistics sectors.
The Pentagon's recent report indicated these purges have affected senior leadership across all theater commands in the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Notably, 62-year-old Cao, who had not reached retirement age, has not been seen publicly since September 2024.
Other expelled leaders include Zeng, Zhang Dongchen, Ma Zhengwu, Liu Guoyue, and Yu Peigen. Wang Xinghuan, a medical expert involved in the initial COVID-19 response, was also ousted.
