China's Military Corruption Compromises Rocket Force: US Intel Says Missiles Filled With Water, Improper Silo Seals

China's military has encountered serious issues of corruption, as evidenced by instances such as missiles filled with water instead of fuel and improperly sealed silo lids, according to US intelligence reports cited by Bloomberg.

The purging of over a dozen high-ranking officials, including Defense Minister Li Shangfu, by President Xi Jinping was allegedly a response to these corruption concerns within the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The corruption was reportedly so severe in the Rocket Force, which oversees China's nuclear weapons, that it may impact China's ability to undertake major military actions in the near future.

The Rocket Force has been a focal point of Xi's efforts to modernise China's military, particularly in relation to Taiwan.

US intelligence sources claimed that issues such as improperly sealed silos and missiles filled with water had compromised the effectiveness of the Rocket Force and undermined confidence in its capabilities.

Despite longstanding speculation linking Xi's purge to his anti-corruption campaign, the specific reasons behind the removal of numerous top military officials were not officially disclosed by China.

The PLA has since emphasised its commitment to combating corruption in its New Year's Day statement.