Xi Replaces Leaders of China's Elite Nuclear Force

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Image copyright: US Department of State [via Flickr]

The Facts

  • PRC Pres. Xi Jinping on Monday elevated two senior People's Liberation Army (PLA) officers from the rank of lieutenant general to general, the highest rank in the military — appointing them to head the PLA Rocket Force.

  • Former deputy navy chief Wang Houbin and party central committee member Xu Xinsheng were respectively named replacements for Gen. Li Yuchao who headed the unit, and his deputy Gen. Liu Guangbin, whose whereabouts are currently unknown.

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The Spin

Pro-China narrative

This major reshuffle was necessary because many formerly reputable senior generals have degenerated into corrupt officials after moving to Beijing and engaging with defense-related companies. Entering its second decade, Xi's far-reaching anti-corruption campaign has kept rolling and he remains fully committed to tackling this issue at all levels.

South China Morning Post

Anti-China narrative

China’s government often uses corruption as an excuse for purging those it deems to be not loyal enough to the Community Party. Once Foreign Minister Qin Gang disappeared, it was only a matter of time before this type of military shake-up would happen.

Spectator (UK)

Metaculus Prediction