Chinese anti-corruption investigators target top PLA Rocket Force generals, sources say

Military graft-busters are targeting the force’s current commander, Li Yuchao, and a past and present deputy, Zhang Zhenzhong and Liu Guangbin

The force plays a central role in maintaining and deploying nuclear warheads as well as Xi Jinping’s plans to strengthen the country’s deterrence capabilities

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The PLA Rocket Force was previously known as the Second Artillery Corps. Photo: AP

Published: 12:00pm, 28 Jul 2023Updated: 3:47pm, 28 Jul 2023

A new anti-corruption drive in China has led to the downfall of several past and present senior commanders in the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force, a key element of the country’s nuclear arsenal, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Two sources told the South China Morning Post that the Central Military Commission (CMC)’s anti-graft body, the Commission for Discipline Inspection, along with its audit office have been investigating the force’s current commander Li Yuchao, as well as Zhang Zhenzhong and Liu Guangbin, his past and present deputies.

Li Yuchao (top right), the head of the PLA Rocket Force, pictured with Xi Jinping and other newly promoted senior commanders. Photo: Handout

There have been no public announcements about any investigation into the trio, but they are believed to have been taken away by investigators.

Li, the most senior general to be caught up in the latest investigation, is only the third commander of the rocket force, which was created during a major overhaul of the military in 2015.

Li, who was promoted to the party’s 205-member Central Committee in October, has been one of the force’s public faces.

He took a prominent role in the 2009 National Day parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic, and a 2015 parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of victory in the second world war.