China's top military leaders placed under new anti‑corruption rules

The Central Military Commission (CMC), chaired by President Xi Jinping, has issued a set of measures to tighten discipline, education, management and supervision of senior officers of the People’s Liberation Army. The rules, described by the PLA Daily as “ironclad”, comprise 26 articles across seven areas and aim to enforce strict education, management and supervision of senior cadres.

The initiative follows Xi’s broader anti‑corruption campaign that has already reduced the CMC from seven members to just Xi and disciplinary chief Zhang Shengmin. Recent punishments include death sentences with a suspended execution for former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu after convictions for taking bribes. The new regulations cite the practical experience and institutional achievements of the anti‑corruption drive in both civilian and military sectors and call for senior officers to lead by example and uphold party ideals.