China’s Missile Force Faces Major Anti-Corruption Purge

The Chinese Communist Party has launched an anti-corruption investigation against top officials in its strategic missile force. High-profile figures, including former Defence Minister Gen Li Shangfu and his successor Gen Li Yuchao, have been dismissed and are under investigation. The probe extends to multiple senior military officials.

The Chinese Communist Party has initiated an anti-corruption investigation targeting key officials in its strategic missile force, according to media reports on Friday.

Former Defence Minister Gen Li Shangfu, who previously led the Rocket Force, and his successor Gen Li Yuchao, have been sacked and are being investigated for corruption. Li Shangfu’s tenure saw him managing a variety of missiles, including nuclear weapons, before his fall from grace.

The Communist Party's recent plenary meeting affirmed the decision to expel both generals and also announced a probe into Gen Sun Jinming, the current Chief of Staff of the PLA Rocket Force. Sun's downfall comes as part of a broader anti-corruption drive affecting at least seven senior military officials over the past year.