Xi Jinping Removes Top Naval and Nuclear Officials in Military Shake-up
In a decisive move underscoring his tightening grip on China’s military and defence apparatus, President Xi Jinping has removed Vice Admiral Li Hanjun—former chief of staff of the People’s Liberation Army Navy—and senior nuclear scientist Liu Shipeng from their positions within the National People’s Congress. The shake-up also saw General Miao Hua, a key figure in military political work, expelled from the Central Military Commission.
Broad Anti‑Corruption and Loyalty Drive
These dismissals form part of an expansive anti‑corruption campaign within the PLA that has targeted over 100 senior officers since Xi began consolidating control of the armed forces in 2012. By removing high-ranking figures, Xi reinforces the message that party loyalty and political reliability outweigh technical credentials or battlefield status.
Implications for Military Programs
Standard-bearers of China’s naval and nuclear modernization—Li Hanjun and Liu Shipeng—have played central roles in strategic program development. Their abrupt removal may signal internal recalibration of ongoing initiatives, creating short-term uncertainties amid critical periods for maritime capabilities and nuclear research.
Consolidation Ahead of Pressure Points
Observers suggest that these moves may be preemptive—designed to forestall any institutional dissent within the PLA as geopolitical tensions across the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and other theatres escalate. The purge highlights Xi’s willingness to restructure military leadership as both a governance and strategic tactic.
