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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Amy Hawkins

Xi Jinping replaces generals in charge of China’s nuclear arsenal

China's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles on parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 2019
China's DF-41 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles on parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 2019. Photograph: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images

Two of China’s top generals overseeing its nuclear missiles have been replaced with scant explanation in the biggest shake-up of the country’s military leadership in a decade, underlining Xi Jinping’s commitment to tightening control over the armed forces.

Two men from outside the ranks of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) were appointed to head the unit, state media have reported. Wang Houbin, from the navy, was appointed as commander and Xu Xisheng, from the air force, its political commissar – a Chinese Communist party role of equal grade to military commander.

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