A Chinese military court on Thursday (7) sentenced two former defense chiefs after convicting them of bribery, in a ruling that permanently removes the once-powerful figures from public life and reinforces Beijing’s ongoing anti-corruption drive within the armed forces.
Surnamed Wei and Li, both had held some of the most senior posts in China’s political and military hierarchy, serving as members of the Central Military Commission, State councilors, and ministers of national defense. Their sentencing highlights the authorities’ hardline stance against financial misconduct at the highest levels of the military.
The court found Wei guilty of accepting bribes, while Li was convicted of both accepting and offering bribes, leading to a combined sentence reflecting the gravity of multiple offences, according to the state news agency Xinhua.
Both men were handed death sentences with a two-year reprieve, a penalty that is typically commuted to life imprisonment after the suspension period. In addition, they were stripped of their political rights for life and had all personal assets confiscated.
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The court specified that, once commuted, the life sentences will be served without the possibility of further reduction or parole, effectively ensuring that both men will remain in prison for the rest of their lives.
Xinhua reported that the verdicts were delivered “in accordance with the law”, following proceedings conducted within the military justice system due to the defendants’ former high-ranking status.
The rulings bring a definitive end to the legal proceedings against Wei and Li, marking a significant moment in China’s broader campaign to root out corruption within its military leadership.
