China’s Leadership Shake-Up in Rocket Force Raises Concerns About Corruption and Missile Modernization

China’s Rocket Force, responsible for the country’s nuclear arsenal, experienced a major leadership shake-up this week. President Xi Jinping, who had transformed the force during his tenure, replaced its two top commanders with individuals who have no prior experience in the nuclear force. While the reasons for the commanders’ removal remain unclear, suspicions of corruption or disloyalty to Mr. Xi have emerged, potentially hindering China’s missile modernization efforts. The Rocket Force’s expansion has been accompanied by serious problems at the top ranks, leading to speculations of corruption or even espionage. It is unclear how this upheaval will affect China’s nuclear capabilities and infrastructure. President Xi’s move to replace the leadership of the Rocket Force signifies his desire to reinforce his dominance over the military unit. The new commanders, Wang Houbin and Xu Xisheng, are both outsiders who come from the navy and air force, respectively. This personnel change reflects Mr. Xi’s concern that corruption may have resurfaced within the Rocket Force, a sensitive arm of the military responsible for nuclear weapons. Doubts about the integrity of the commanders could pose a threat to China’s nuclear arsenal, potentially compromising its national security. The Rocket Force, unveiled in 2015, plays a significant role in China’s projection of power and has one of the world’s largest and most advanced missile arsenals. It controls nearly all of China’s nuclear weapons, estimated at over 400 warheads, with the potential to reach 1,000 by 2030. The force has been expanding its capabilities by building numerous launch silos for ballistic missiles across northern China. The leadership changes in the Rocket Force may temporarily undermine China’s ambitions for a more potent strategic deterrent.