Chinese military authorities have publicly announced an open-ended investigation into procurement corruption within the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), a rare and unusual move. Analysts say the announcement may confirm long-circulating rumors of serious problems at the top levels of the Air Force and could lead to significant leadership turmoil.
On December 15, the PLA’s procurement system issued a notice calling for reports and evidence of irregularities in Air Force procurement processes, including bidding, contract execution, supplier penalties, and related activities. Individuals involved in procurement — including suppliers, reviewers, and other participants — are invited to submit information by mail through June 30, 2026.
Analysts suggest the move indirectly indicates that senior Air Force leaders, including Commander Chang Dingqiu and Political Commissar Guo Puxiao, are already under investigation. As further circumstantial evidence, both officials were recently removed from China’s Baidu Encyclopedia, a development often interpreted as a sign that an official has fallen out of favor. There are also reports that Chang Dingqiu died of a sudden heart attack while under investigation, although these claims remain unverified.
Source: Epoch Times, December 19, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/12/19/n14658544.htm