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China has confirmed that two former senior defense officials have been expelled from the ruling Communist Party over accusations of corruption, likely leading to life sentences.

The Defense Ministry announced that Li Shangfu, the former defense minister, abused his authority by accepting bribes in exchange for favors, violating military and party discipline. His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, faced similar charges. Li was abruptly removed from his position in October last year after a two-month disappearance, during a period marked by high-level military shakeups, including removing two top generals from the PLA Rocket Force, which oversees China’s nuclear and ballistic missiles.

The CMC’s Commission for Discipline Inspection investigation revealed that Li had “seriously violated” political and organizational disciplines. He allegedly resisted the investigation, sought personal benefits, and received and offered substantial bribes. The state-run CCTV reported that Li’s actions betrayed the trust and responsibility placed in him by the party and military leadership, significantly damaging the political environment and the development of the national defense sector.

Wei, who served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023, was accused of similar violations, including taking bribes and showing disloyalty. Both Wei and Li have been stripped of their military ranks, and their cases handed over to the military procuratorate for prosecution. The allegations indicate corruption in the procurement and development of military equipment, particularly within the Rocket Force.

This comes as President Xi, who has led a decade-long campaign against corruption since taking power in 2012, has targeted numerous military leaders.