BEIJING: China’s leading political advisory institution has voted to expel three retired senior military officers, according to state media, marking the latest step in an expanding crackdown within the armed forces just days before the country’s key annual political meetings.
The decision was taken during a Standing Committee session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), which approved the removal of former generals Han Weiguo, Liu Lei and Gao Jin. Two additional members were also dismissed, while 10 others were formally stripped of their positions.
The development comes shortly after the national legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), removed 19 delegates last week, including nine with military backgrounds. Authorities have not disclosed specific reasons for the dismissals, according to AFP.
China is preparing for its annual “Two Sessions” gatherings, during which the NPC and the CPPCC convene simultaneously in Beijing to deliberate on policy priorities and national legislation.
In related moves, Wang Xiangxi was removed from his post as minister of emergency management following an investigation by the country’s anti-corruption watchdog. Separately, Liu Shaoyun was relieved of his duties as head of the military court of the People’s Liberation Army.
Since assuming leadership more than a decade ago, President Xi Jinping has pursued an extensive anti-graft campaign across the Communist Party and state institutions, with a growing focus on the military establishment.
Last month, Xi publicly commended the armed forces’ efforts to combat corruption, an uncommon acknowledgement of internal disciplinary issues.
Earlier this year, China’s defence ministry confirmed investigations into senior military figures, including Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of its joint staff department responsible for operational planning.
The latest removals signal continued tightening of oversight within China’s defence apparatus ahead of the high-profile political meetings.
