On October 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Missile Force to improve its “deterrence and combat capabilities” amid ongoing corruption scandals that have rocked the force and raised concerns about its operational integrity.

During an inspection of one of the Rocket Force's brigades, Xi noted that the force must fully carry out the responsibilities entrusted to it by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Chinese people.

Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), urged Troops must adapt to the evolving dynamics of modern warfare.

He said it is also important to focus on changing combat operations, the strategies of potential adversaries and the operational environment.

According to Xi, the Rocket Force needs to refine its conventional warfare capabilities while developing new tactics and capabilities with advanced equipment. The goal is to ensure that the force remains effective in both traditional and new combat scenarios.

This inspection comes just a month after the PLA Rocket Force conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in 44 years, sending a missile into the Pacific Ocean. The test underscores China's efforts to strengthen its strategic deterrence capabilities amid rising global tensions.

Xi's visit included inspections of both equipment and training processes. Although the specific brigade he visited was not disclosed, the Chinese Defense Ministry noted that the brigade has a history of more than 50 years and an outstanding service record.

In a statement issued According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, it was announced that Xi was briefed in detail on the brigade's operations and gave a speech in which he emphasized the need for continued political leadership within the force.

He called for integrating political and military work to ensure that the Rocket Force continues to follow the CCP's guidelines.

China's continued military modernization places the PLA Rocket Force at the forefront of its strategic defense efforts. Xi's statements underscore the leadership's commitment to strengthening the Rocket Force's ability to deter potential threats and conduct critical missions amid a rapidly evolving global security landscape.

The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force

The PLA Rocket Force (PLARF) was established in 2015 as part of President Xi Jinping's comprehensive reform of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and has quickly become a central pillar of China's national defense strategy.

The PLARF is instrumental in maintaining China's strategic deterrent capabilities. It is tasked with monitoring the country's nuclear arsenal.

According to China's 2019 Defense White Paper, although the overall size of the PLA has been reduced, the PLARF has experienced significant growth, reflecting its crucial role in safeguarding national sovereignty and security.

Chinese leaders view the PLARF as an essential part of achieving “strategic balance” with key global competitors.

The PLARF is tasked with several important tasks, including strategic deterrence, disabling enemy air defense systems and preventing enemy forces from entering Chinese territory – be it on land, in the air or at sea.

This includes a broad geographical focus, ranging from Taiwan and the South China Sea to potential threats from neighboring countries such as India and strategic rivals such as the United States.

Last year, a senior U.S. Navy commander indicated that the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) posed the greatest threat to the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, who holds the rank of four-star admiral in the US Navy and currently serves as commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, further said that the US Navy is continuously working to develop tactics, techniques and procedures to counter the threat posed by China's missile force on a daily basis.

The PLARF's advanced missile systems, often referred to as “carrier killers,” are specifically designed to target and attack U.S. naval aircraft carriers.

In addition, the armed forces' nuclear capabilities have steadily expanded over the years, with forecasts pointing to a possible doubling of their size by 2030.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates that China's inventory of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) could surpass those of Russia and the United States within the next decade.

According to recent reports, China has increased the number of nuclear warheads it has, with estimates putting the total at around 500 by 2023.

This expected growth in missile capabilities was underscored last month when China conducted a rare intercontinental ballistic missile test, its first in 44 years.

The missile was launched into the Pacific Ocean, serving as a clear demonstration of the Rocket Force's readiness in the face of increasing international scrutiny of China's nuclear developments.

Rocket Force plagued by corruption scandals

President Xi Jinping's recent comments calling for improved combat capabilities come at a time when the force is facing internal challenges. Several high-ranking officials and generals were removed from their positions amid corruption investigations.

In recent years, the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) has come into the spotlight due to a series of corruption scandals and leadership purges. Since 2023, aggressive anti-corruption investigations have targeted Chinese officials within the Rocket Force and those associated with its operations.

Many were quickly dismissed from their posts, a reflection of a broader crackdown that highlights political uncertainty at the highest levels of China's leadership.

Although Xi has made significant investments in the growth and modernization of the PLARF since 2010, these scandals underscore the deep-rooted problems plaguing the military wing.

The removal of senior officials has raised concerns about the Rocket Force's long-term stability and effectiveness. Among the most notable figures involved this year is Xiao Longxu, a well-known rocket scientist and former chief engineer at the Rocket Force's premier research institute.

His expulsion from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, a key advisory body, was a clear sign of his downfall. Another important case is that of Wei Fenghe, a former Rocket Force commander and one of two former defense ministers now under his office Investigation for corruption.

In June 2023, the force faced a major upheaval when Commander Li Yuchao, Commissioner Xu Zhongbo, and their deputies Liu Guangbin and Zhang Zhenzhong were all fired.

Speculation about her removal points to allegations of embezzlement and espionage, and there are rumors suggest that Li Yuchao's son passed confidential government information to the United States while studying abroad.

In July 2023, the mysterious death of Wu Guohua, a former deputy commander, caused further controversy. Some speculated that his death, officially attributed to illness, may have been a suicide related to the ongoing investigation.

Nevertheless, the anti-corruption campaign has expanded to no longer focus solely on the Rocket Force, but also raises questions about the loyalty and integrity of the broader People's Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party itself.