Chinese military newspaper backs Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive after 2 ex-defence ministers accused of corruption

The pledge of loyalty follows the announcement that Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu had been charged with corruption

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The People’s Liberation Army. was urged to “thoroughly study and implement” Xi Jinping’s political philosophy. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:00pm, 1 Jul 2024Updated: 7:47pm, 6 Jul 2024

The official newspaper of China’s military has pledged loyalty to President Xi Jinping and expressed support for his anti-corruption drive, days after Beijing announced that two former defence ministers were under investigation.

PLA Daily called on the military to “closely unite around” the Communist Party’s leadership “with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core”, and “thoroughly study and implement” the Chinese leader’s political doctrine.

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It also pledged to “deepen education in party discipline, promote the spirit of thorough self-revolution” and work to “eradicate the soil and conditions that breed corruption”.

The article was published on Monday, the Communist Party’s 103rd anniversary.

Last week the Politburo announced that two former defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and his successor Li Shangfu, were under investigation for corruption. The pair have also been expelled from the party and will face criminal prosecution.

Li was abruptly dismissed from his post in October, with no explanation being given at the time.