Xi Sacks Chief Of China's Nuclear Arsenal

Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping on Monday replaced the commander of the country's rocket corps -- which controls China’s nuclear missiles -- amid reports of an inquiry into his predecessor and his deputies, Wang Yun and Fong Tak Ho reported for Radio Free Asia (RFA).

Photo Insert: The move is seen as indirect proof that there was a (political) problem with the former leadership of the Rocket Force.

Xi named Wang Houbin as the new commander of the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, promoting him and political commissar Xu Xisheng to the rank of general, state news agency Xinhua reported.

Wang's appointment, while not explained by state media reports, is widely seen as confirmation of reports that his predecessor Li Yuchao is under investigation behind the scenes.

"This is indirect proof that there was a (political) problem with the former leadership of the Rocket Force," US based political commentator Hu Ping said via his X account on Monday.

"The fact that these two new appointments have no connection to the Rocket Force shows that Xi Jinping is uncomfortable with the entirety of the former Rocket Force team," Hu wrote.

Li was reportedly taken away for investigation in June, according to US-based former PLA Navy Lt. Col. Yao Cheng, who posted the news on June 28 on Twitter.

WEEKLY FEATURE : MVP Group Keeps Lights On During Pandemic