China has undergone a significant leadership shake-up in its military, with two leaders of an elite unit managing the nuclear arsenal being replaced. General Li Yuchao and his deputy had been “disappeared” for months, leading to speculation of a purge. Former deputy navy chief Wang Houbin and party central committee member Xu Xisheng were named as their replacements. This unplanned shake-up in the military leadership is the most significant in nearly a decade. President Xi Jinping’s consolidation of control over the military and the ongoing anti-corruption efforts within the ranks have been cited as potential reasons for these changes. However, there has been no official comment from Beijing on the whereabouts of the removed leaders. The leadership shake-up coincided with the 96th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on August 1.