Beijing
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Rocket Force, a crucial military division responsible for operating missiles, including nuclear weapons, amid a significant anti-corruption purge. This inspection took place on Oct 17, in Hefei, where Xi urged the Rocket Force to bolster its deterrence and combat capabilities to fulfill the Communist Party of China’s directives, according to a media report on Saturday.
Established in 2015 as part of Xi’s military reforms, the Rocket Force has faced intense scrutiny due to corruption allegations against its high-ranking officials. The anti-corruption campaign has led to the dismissal of several top officers, including former Defense Minister General Li Shangfu, who previously led the Rocket Force before being appointed Minister. His successor, General Li Yuchao, was also removed over graft charges.
Xi’s visit underscores the importance of the Rocket Force, which has been at the center of several corruption probes. Notably, General Sun Jinming, who headed the force, is under investigation, and at least seven senior officials have faced scrutiny since last year. Former Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, who oversaw the Rocket Force from its inception until 2017, was recently expelled from the Communist Party for corruption.
In a show of military capability, the Rocket Force successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean last month. This marked the first atmospheric test of an ICBM over the high seas in 44 years, further demonstrating China’s strategic military advancements.
