Corruption Scandal Engulfs Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Raising Concerns Over Anti-Graft Campaign

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is once again in the spotlight as allegations of corruption involving two former defense ministers and Central Military Commission (CMC) members have rocked the military establishment. The revelations have sparked renewed debate over the effectiveness of President Xi Jinping’s decade-long anti-corruption campaign within the armed forces.

The controversy erupted in late June when Chinese state media confirmed the fate of two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, who had been absent from public view for over 10 months. On August 31, 2023, the PLA’s internal discipline and inspection organ opened an investigation into Li Shangfu. Just weeks later, on September 21, the retired Wei Fenghe was also brought in for questioning.

According to the charge sheets released on June 27, Wei was accused of receiving bribes, while his successor, Li Shangfu, allegedly both received and offered bribes. These charges follow a sweeping purge that saw a dozen PLA leaders and three senior defense industry executives removed from their posts, further highlighting the extent of corruption within the military.

Wei Fenghe, who was once considered a close associate of President Xi, was the first PLA officer to be promoted to general by Xi after he assumed the CMC chair in 2012. Wei’s fall from grace is particularly notable given his prominent role in Xi’s military reforms, including his leadership of the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) and his subsequent appointment to the CMC.

Li Shangfu, a technocrat with a background in manned space programs, also held significant positions within the PLA, including director of the CMC Equipment Development Department (CMC EDD). Both Wei and Li have been stripped of their ranks and party membership, signaling the severity of their alleged crimes. State media reports indicated that both men resisted internal investigations, a serious offense that echoes past challenges to Xi’s authority within the military.

The latest scandal has prompted questions about the success of Xi’s anti-corruption drive. While the campaign has led to the removal of high-ranking officials and some progress in curbing malfeasance, the persistent nature of corruption suggests that deeper systemic issues remain unresolved. The vaguely worded indictments against Wei and Li leave much unclear, including whether their corrupt activities occurred under Xi’s watch or before his crackdown began.

As China’s military continues its transformation into a modern, professional force, the tension between political loyalty and military professionalism remains a significant challenge. Despite Xi’s efforts to enhance the PLA’s capabilities, the ongoing struggle against corruption underscores the difficulty of achieving lasting reform in an institution that serves a single political party rather than the nation.

As Xi Jinping extends his rule beyond the traditional two-term limit, the pressure is mounting for him to implement more enduring institutional changes to ensure the PLA’s integrity and effectiveness. Without such reforms, the periodic purges and scandals that have characterized his tenure may continue to undermine the stability and professionalism of China’s armed forces.