BEIJING - China has formally removed six military representatives and two prominent civilian officials from the National People’s Congress, escalating its anti-corruption enforcement within the political and military apparatus. The dismissals were announced by state-run Xinhua news agency on Friday, citing a notice issued by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.
The legislative body, which serves as the country’s top lawmaking institution, stripped the officials of their posts without providing public justification. No immediate explanation was offered by the defense ministry, and none of the affected individuals could be reached for comment.
The purge is the most recent development in President Xi Jinping’s sustained campaign to root out corruption, which has previously led to the investigation and removal of numerous senior party members and military leaders. The action signals continued pressure on high-ranking figures across both civilian and defense sectors.
Among those removed is General Xu Xueqiang, who has served as head of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission. This department holds critical responsibility for the development, procurement, and testing of equipment for the People’s Liberation Army. Xu has also led China’s Manned Space Programme since 2022, underscoring his role in both military logistics and strategic space initiatives.
Other military figures dismissed from their congressional roles include General Li Fengbiao, who held the position of political commissar for the PLA Western Theatre Command, and General Guo Puxiao, who served as political commissar of the PLA Air Force. Additionally, Eastern Theatre Command commander Wang Kangping, Cyberspace Force commander Zhang Minghua, and Army commander Yin Hongxing were removed from their legislative posts.
Civilian officials also faced removal. Li Yunze, former head of a financial regulatory body, lost his position as a lawmaker. Ma Xingrui, a member of the Politburo and the party’s highest decision-making body, was similarly stripped of his congressional role following recent internal probes.
The dismissals highlight the ongoing consolidation of political control and the rigorous enforcement of disciplinary measures within China’s leadership structure. The actions are part of a broader pattern of personnel changes aimed at reinforcing loyalty and addressing alleged misconduct among top officials.
Key Points:
- Legislative Purge: Six military deputies and two civilian officials, including Politburo member Ma Xingrui, removed from the National People’s Congress.
- Military Focus: Senior officers responsible for equipment development, space programs, and regional commands are targeted.
- Political Signaling: Continued emphasis on anti-corruption under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, with no public rationale provided for the dismissals.
Risks and Uncertainties:
- Leadership Instability: Removals of high-ranking generals and civilian leaders may signal internal factional pressures, potentially affecting policy continuity in defense and economic planning.
- Market Sentiment: Unannounced purges in the military and financial oversight sectors could introduce uncertainty for defense contractors and state-linked financial institutions.
- Opacity of Process: Lack of official explanations or details regarding the reasons for removals may complicate analysis of future personnel changes or political alignments.