Xi Jinping’s purge of generals exposes corruption in China’s nuclear forces

According to reports from Business Standard, President Xi Jinping has launched one of the most aggressive military crackdowns in decades.

Entire leadership teams have been removed from the Rocket Force, the part of the military responsible for China’s nuclear weapons.

At least a dozen senior commanders have been dismissed, while some defense contractors have been detained and stripped of their Communist Party positions.

A purge with global consequences

Xi reportedly believes corruption in the military is a major threat, both to China’s ability to fight a future war and to the Communist Party’s grip on power.

Back in 2012, when Xi first came to power, the Chinese military was seen as deeply corrupt.

Promotions were bought, military license plates were sold to civilians, and generals were enriching themselves through bribery. Xi promised to change all that and build a “world-class” military by 2049.

But now, even some of the generals he personally promoted have been caught up in corruption scandals.

That includes General He Weidong, who was one of the top three military officials in the country before being expelled in October for abuse of power.

Big trouble in China’s nuclear force

The most worrying signs are coming from the missile forces.

This is the units that control almost all of China’s nuclear weapons. Since 2023, the branch has seen multiple leaders purged.

Reports from the Pentagon even suggest corruption led to failures in building underground missile silos, a key part of China’s nuclear strategy.

Missiles, unlike tanks or jets, are rarely tested. That makes it easier for corrupt officials to hide problems.

Some analysts believe the lack of urgency, or doubt that China will actually go to war, has allowed abuse to spread quietly inside the ranks.

Taiwan remains the top focus

Still, Xi has not slowed down military upgrades.

This year’s parade in Beijing showcased advanced drones, hypersonic missiles, and China’s newest intercontinental ballistic missiles.

U.S. officials say China could double its nuclear arsenal by 2030.

Beijing’s military push is centered around one goal: unifying Taiwan with mainland China. U.S. intelligence believes Xi wants the military ready for a possible invasion by 2027.

To prepare, China has built long-range missiles designed to target U.S. bases in the Pacific and sink American aircraft carriers.

A new arms race?

The U.S. is watching closely.

President Trump has already called for a return to nuclear testing and reshaped the U.S. military’s leadership. His defense secretary has fired over two dozen top officials this year alone.

Critics say this threatens the non-political tradition of the American military.

This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation