In a bold and unprecedented move, Chinese President Xi Jinping has dismissed the Chief of Staff of the Chinese Navy and a top nuclear scientist, marking a new phase in his widening anti-corruption crackdown within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). These dismissals, which include Vice Admiral Li Hanjun and senior nuclear engineer Liu Shipeng, signal escalating internal dissent and Xi's determined push to consolidate power across China’s military and defence infrastructure.

The removals are part of a broader pattern of leadership changes in the Chinese military, with earlier purges affecting senior commanders and ideological heads. Experts believe this wave of disciplinary actions points to a larger internal struggle to maintain loyalty, discipline, and centralized control, especially at a time when China faces rising strategic tensions both internally and externally.

High-Profile Dismissals Rock Chinese Military

According to the South China Morning Post, Vice Admiral Li Hanjun, Chief of Staff of the Chinese Navy, and Liu Shipeng, a senior nuclear scientist tied to China’s nuclear weapons programme, were officially removed from their roles in the National People’s Congress (NPC) — a move often considered the first step before formal investigations or prosecution.

The NPC Standing Committee announced that Li Hanjun was removed as a delegate of the 14th National People’s Congress through a motion by the Navy Servicemen Congress. In parallel, the Gansu Provincial People’s Congress expelled Liu Shipeng from his role as a deputy representative. These official announcements are widely interpreted as a signal of forthcoming disciplinary proceedings, typically carried out under the supervision of China’s powerful anti-corruption watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

Vice Admiral Li Hanjun: From Fujian to the Navy’s Top Ranks

Li Hanjun, aged 60, has had a long and relatively obscure military career, primarily serving in administrative and training departments under the Central Military Commission (CMC). He previously held the position of Commander of a major naval base in Fujian Province, a region that has historically been closely monitored due to its proximity to Taiwan and other strategic maritime zones.

Li’s later roles included Director of Training at the Naval Command College and eventually the presidency of the same institution. His career trajectory followed that of General Miao Hua, a key Xi loyalist who was also recently removed from the Central Military Commission. Li’s dismissal, despite such close affiliations, suggests that even top-tier officers with strong networks are not immune to Xi’s crackdown.

Liu Shipeng and the Shadowy World of Nuclear Science

Perhaps more surprising than the removal of a navy officer is the ousting of Liu Shipeng, a key figure in China’s civil and military nuclear programmes. Liu served as Deputy Chief Engineer of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and held senior positions including Party Secretary and Chairman of the classified 404 Base in Gansu.

The 404 Base, spanning over 1,000 square kilometres, is one of China’s most secretive and strategically vital nuclear research and testing facilities. Established in 1958, this site was where China developed its first nuclear bomb in 1964 and later its first hydrogen bomb in 1967. Its role in China’s nuclear deterrent is of such importance that even minimal leadership changes draw global scrutiny.

Liu was previously lauded for his contributions and was named one of Gansu’s outstanding entrepreneurs in 2023, a title awarded for both scientific and political achievements. His removal, therefore, has shocked insiders and suggests a deeper investigation into possible breaches of trust or internal dissent within the nuclear establishment.

Xi’s Ongoing Power Consolidation in the PLA

Since taking power in 2012, Xi Jinping has launched repeated campaigns to purge corruption and enforce ideological loyalty across China’s vast military and state apparatus. However, in recent months, the pace and scale of these dismissals have accelerated. These latest actions are seen as part of a renewed effort to tighten control over the PLA, especially amid growing concerns over the loyalty and unity of high-ranking officials.

In recent months, Xi has removed multiple generals, scientists, and defence administrators, often citing reasons such as financial misconduct, political unreliability, or failure to align with core Party principles. Analysts argue that Xi's aim is to eliminate not only corruption but also potential political threats to his continued rule and strategic agenda.

The PLA Rocket Force, the branch responsible for China’s nuclear missile arsenal, has also seen a flurry of unexplained leadership changes. This includes the surprise exit of top commanders and engineers, indicating that concerns about loyalty, espionage, or internal sabotage may be influencing Xi’s decisions.

The Bigger Picture: Growing Dissent or Strategic Realignment?

While the Chinese government has not officially acknowledged any internal rebellion, the pattern of high-level removals, particularly of those connected to strategic military assets, has raised eyebrows among global defence analysts. There is speculation that discontent within the PLA may be rising due to Xi’s increasingly centralised control, slowing economic performance, and strained diplomatic ties with several nations.

The tight control of narratives within China makes it difficult to assess the full scope of unrest. However, the removal of Vice Admiral Li Hanjun and Liu Shipeng serves as a rare public indicator of internal instability. Removal from the NPC is a serious political reprimand and often serves as a precursor to arrest, investigation, or formal charges.

Implications for the Region and the World

This internal shake-up could have significant implications for China’s military readiness and regional posture. With senior leadership positions now in flux, questions arise about the PLA’s operational stability, especially in the context of increasing tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the India-China border regions.

Moreover, the removal of a senior nuclear scientist from one of the world’s most secretive atomic research centres could raise global concerns about the security of China’s nuclear arsenal, particularly if internal dissent or power struggles compromise command and control systems.

Global powers, including the United States, India, and Japan, will be closely monitoring these developments to gauge the impact on China’s military behaviour and strategic planning.

In conclusion, the removal of China’s navy chief Li Hanjun and nuclear scientist Liu Shipeng marks a significant escalation in Xi Jinping’s crackdown on the Chinese military and defence establishment. These actions are not isolated disciplinary measures but part of a sweeping campaign to enforce loyalty, eliminate dissent, and consolidate authority across the People’s Liberation Army and strategic defence institutions.

While the full implications of these removals remain to be seen, they unmistakably point to growing unrest and distrust within China’s top military ranks. As China grapples with internal political tightening, economic slowdowns, and external diplomatic pressures, Xi Jinping appears resolute in his drive to centralise power and ensure absolute control over all instruments of state and military authority — even if it means purging some of the most strategically important figures in the country.

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