Former Chinese defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu have been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on corruption charges, according to state news agency Xinhua. The sentences underscore the severity of President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign within the military establishment.

Investigations found that Li accepted large bribes and failed to fulfill his political responsibilities, while Wei was accused of taking significant sums of money and valuables and using his position to benefit others in personnel arrangements. Authorities described their actions as extremely serious and highly damaging.

The convictions come amid a broader purge that has swept through the armed forces, including the elite Rocket Force responsible for nuclear and conventional missiles. Earlier this year, the campaign led to the removal of a top general from the People’s Liberation Army, highlighting the deep reach of the crackdown.

Under Chinese law, a death sentence with reprieve is typically commuted to life imprisonment if no further crimes are committed during the two-year period. After commutation, the sentence becomes life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, as China continues efforts to root out corruption within its military ranks.