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Key Takeaways:

• On 17 October, China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that General (former Vice Admiral) Wang Houbin (王厚斌), Commander of the PLA Rocket Force (PLARF), was among nine senior officers expelled for “serious violations of Party discipline.”

• A career naval aviator and seasoned PLA Navy (PLAN) staff officer, Wang rose rapidly—promoted to General (3-star) in 2023 and appointed PLA Rocket Forces (PLARF) Commander to replace disgraced General Li Yuchao.

• The official reason for Wang’s downfall—“serious financial crimes involving exceptionally large sums”—echoes a familiar corruption narrative that seldom tells the full story.

• Alternative explanations point to Wang’s ties to Admiral Miao Hua, inter-service factionalism, and persistent integrity or capability issues inside the PLARF.

• Despite leadership churn, CMSI sees no evidence that PLA capability development or operational readiness has suffered; any internal “taxes” appear offset by strong central prioritization and resource mobilization.

• PLAN operational forces continue to advance rapidly, sustained by an officer corps that punishes corruption, prizes competence, and rewards performance with honor and responsibility.

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China, China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, People’s Liberation Army, People’s Liberation Army Navy, PLAN, General Wang Houbin, VADM Wang Houbin, PLA Rocket Force, PLARF

CMSI Note 17: Replacement Removed: VADM/General Wang Houbin—Naval Star Turned Rocket Force Commander’s Terminal Trajectory

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