In a significant development within China’s political and military landscape, the country’s foremost political advisory body has voted to remove three retired generals from its ranks. This decision follows closely on the heels of a recent purge where nine military officials were expelled from the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislative assembly. These actions highlight an intensifying campaign by Beijing to cleanse its military leadership ahead of the annual Two Sessions political meetings scheduled to begin this Wednesday.
The Two Sessions, comprising simultaneous gatherings of the NPC and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), represent a critical period in China’s political calendar. Over the course of a week, thousands of delegates from across the nation convene to discuss key policy directions and national priorities. The recent removals occurred during a Standing Committee meeting of the CPPCC, where retired generals Han Weiguo, Liu Lei, and Gao Jin were officially voted out. Alongside them, two other members were also dismissed, and an additional ten individuals faced formal expulsion from the advisory body.
This wave of removals mirrors the earlier decision by the NPC last Thursday, which saw the ousting of 19 delegates, including nine military personnel. Notably, the official announcements did not specify the reasons behind these dismissals, leaving observers to speculate on the underlying causes. The same day, Wang Xiangxi was removed from his role as minister of emergency management following an investigation by China’s anti-corruption agency. Similarly, Liu Shaoyun was stripped of his position as head of the People’s Liberation Army’s military court, signaling a broader crackdown within military and governmental institutions.
Since President Xi Jinping assumed power over a decade ago, he has spearheaded an extensive anti-corruption campaign targeting all levels of the Chinese Communist Party and state apparatus. In recent years, this campaign has increasingly focused on rooting out corruption within the military establishment. Last month, Xi publicly praised the military’s efforts in combating graft, a rare acknowledgment that underscores the seriousness of the issue. This commendation came shortly after Beijing intensified its purge by launching investigations into some of the military’s highest-ranking officials.
Among those under scrutiny is Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), which is the paramount military decision-making body in China. Alongside him, Liu Zhenli, the chief of staff of the CMC’s joint staff department responsible for combat planning, is also under investigation. The defense ministry confirmed these probes in January, signaling a determined effort to enforce discipline and transparency within the armed forces.
These developments occur at a pivotal moment as China prepares for the Two Sessions, where political leaders will set the course for the country’s future governance and military strategy. The ongoing purge reflects President Xi’s commitment to consolidating control over the military and ensuring loyalty within its ranks, while also addressing long-standing concerns about corruption that could undermine national security and governance.
