China on Friday stripped six military lawmakers, former financial regulator Li Yunze and recently investigated Politburo member Ma Xingrui of their seats in the National People’s Congress (NPC), the country’s top legislature.
State news agency Xinhua reported the decision, citing a notice issued by the NPC Standing Committee. No explanation was provided for the removals.
The latest dismissals mark another phase in President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the investigation, removal and purge of dozens of senior officials and People’s Liberation Army (PLA) commanders.
Among those removed was General Xu Xueqiang, head of the Equipment Development Department under the Central Military Commission, the body responsible for overseeing the PLA’s weapons development, procurement and testing.
Xu has also served as commander-in-chief of China’s Manned Space Programme since 2022.
Also dismissed were General Li Fengbiao, former political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command; General Guo Puxiao, former political commissar of the PLA Air Force; Wang Kangping of the Eastern Theatre Command; Zhang Minghua of the Cyberspace Force; and Yin Hongxing of the Army.
Xi’s Anti-Corruption Drive Continues
The NPC notice did not provide any reason for the removals, and there was no immediate response from China’s defence ministry.
The latest shake-up adds to Xi Jinping’s years-long campaign to tighten control over the military and Communist Party, with senior officials and top generals continuing to face investigations and dismissals.
(with input from Reuters)
