In a landmark ruling on May 7, a military court sentenced former State Council members and Defense Ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death with a two-year reprieve. The court further ordered the confiscation of all personal property, with the sentences eventually converted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or sentence reduction.
This marks the first time in the 76-year history of the People’s Republic of China that a vice-national level Defense Minister has received a suspended death sentence. It is also the first instance of “military tigers” receiving such a sentence since the anti-corruption campaign began in January 2013.
While official military editorials have praised the decision as a reflection of “firm determination” and “significant meaning,” the scale of the purges suggests a deeper crisis within the military hierarchy.
The “General Slayer” and the Scale of Purges
The sentencing of Wei and Li is part of a broader trend of instability within the high command. Between 2012 and 2022, only seven generals were investigated; however, between 2022 and 2026, that number has risen to 26 published cases.
Out of the 40-plus active generals present after the 20th Party Congress, a vast majority have been purged, dismissed, or have disappeared. This includes five of the seven Central Military Commission members and commanders across all five theater commands.
This unprecedented turnover has led to the emergence of a new nickname for the top leadership: the “General Slayer.”
A “Black Box” Judicial Process
Despite claims that these punishments were carried out “according to the law,” the proceedings remained entirely opaque. No information was released regarding the dates of arrest, the identities of the prosecutors or judges, or whether defense lawyers were permitted to meet the accused.
The lack of transparency regarding evidence and specific bribery amounts suggests that the trials were “black box” operations. Analysts suggest these legal maneuvers are tools for internal power struggles rather than genuine anti-corruption efforts.
The source indicates that He Weidong and Miao Hua initially used the purges of Li and Wei to target Zhang Youxia. However, this internal conflict eventually led to the downfall of He and Miao themselves.
The Paradox of Political Loyalty
The charges against Wei and Li focused heavily on “political disloyalty” and “destroying the responsibility system of the CMC Chairman.” This is particularly striking given the high level of trust previously placed in both men.
Wei Fenghe was the first general promoted by the current leadership in November 2012 and served as the first commander of the Rocket Force. Li Shangfu was promoted to general in 2019 and became Defense Minister in 2023, despite being sanctioned by the U.S. In 2018 over arms deals with Russia.
The fact that these “carefully cultivated” figures were eventually branded as “two-hearted” suggests a failure in the leadership’s ability to ensure genuine loyalty.
Intelligence Failures and the Rocket Force
The purge of the Rocket Force may have been triggered by external intelligence victories. The comprehensive U.S. Report on the Rocket Force exposed the “core force” of China’s strategic deterrence, revealing secrets about bases and organizational structures.
This exposure likely provided the catalyst for internal rivals to target Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu. A wave of generals and admirals across various branches were removed without a single shot being fired.
Potential Consequences
With an estimated 400 generals purged over the last 14 years—a number exceeding those lost in civil wars or the Cultural Revolution—the leadership may be facing a growing internal threat.
Because these purges are viewed as power struggles rather than justice, the affected officials and their families may harbor deep resentment. This environment could potentially lead to a “backlash” effect, making the leadership’s position more precarious over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu sentenced to life imprisonment?
They were originally sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for corruption, which was later reduced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or sentence reduction.
How many generals have been purged in recent years?
Between 2022 and 2026, 26 generals have been publicly investigated, compared to only seven in the previous decade. Estimates suggest over 400 generals have been purged in the last 14 years.
What role did the United States play in these events?
A detailed report by the U.S. Air Force University’s China Aerospace Studies Institute exposed the internal workings and locations of the Rocket Force, which likely provided the pretext for internal rivals to initiate the purges.
Do you believe that extreme purges within a military command strengthen or weaken a nation’s strategic deterrence?
