Last month, Premier Li Keqiang and his outgoing defence minister, Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist party and Beijing confirmed they were under investigation for corruption.
Li, who has a background in aerospace and spent decades in the military equipment sector, was accused of “severely polluting the political ecology and industrial atmosphere of the military equipment sector.”
Wei was also accused of receiving huge amounts of money and helping others obtain illegal benefits.
Nine generals, including former and current commanders of the rocket force and air force, and senior officials in the equipment development department were also dismissed by the National People’s Congress late last year after being caught up in the investigation.
Among the companies that launched the anti-corruption initiative was China National Nuclear Corporation, which oversees the country’s civilian and military nuclear programs.
The company promised to step up oversight of its “top leadership” and “standardize tender and procurement management,” adding that it was also conducting an investigation into improper hiring practices, an issue highlighted in a series of inspections conducted by CCDI last year.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the main contractor for the country’s space program, said 36 employees had been disciplined by the Communist Party and seven had been handed over to judicial authorities.
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China airs four-part anti-corruption series on primetime TV as it intensifies crackdown on corruption
China airs four-part anti-corruption series on primetime TV as it intensifies crackdown on corruption
The company said other quality control issues had also been uncovered, and promised to improve product designs and strengthen employee awareness of safety and confidentiality to “ensure the stable operation of satellites in orbit.”
China’s largest missile maker, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, has also vowed to increase secrecy and tackle procurement irregularities. Its former vice president, Wang Changqing, was also removed from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in December.
Two major military equipment companies, China North Industries Corporation and China South Industries Corporation, have also pledged to act.
The company said it would address issues of corrupt transactions and the revolving door between government and business, and ensure that executives who leave the company cannot escape scrutiny.
Other companies that have pledged to take action include China Aviation Industry Corporation, China Aero Engines Corporation and China Electronics Technology Corporation.
