China has removed nine senior military officers, including two top generals, from their posts and the Communist Party over corruption charges within the armed forces.

According to international media reports, among those dismissed is General He Weidong, vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and a key member of the Politburo. His removal leaves only four members on the CMC, including President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense confirmed that the officers were accused of serious violations of party discipline and large-scale financial corruption. The ministry said the move reflects Beijing’s “zero-tolerance policy” toward corruption and underscores its determination to cleanse the military ranks of unethical practices.

The corruption cases have been transferred to a military court for trial. In China, such offenses can lead to life imprisonment, confiscation of property, heavy fines, or, in severe cases, the death penalty.

The timing of the dismissals is significant, as they come just before a key session of the Communist Party’s Central Committee — a gathering where major policy decisions and power realignments are expected.