BEIJING — China moved Friday to strip eight high-ranking officials of their seats in the National People’s Congress, the nation’s top legislative body, according to a report from state-run Xinhua news agency.
The removals were announced through a notice issued by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, which offered no explanation for the dismissals. A request for comment sent to China’s defense ministry received no immediate response.
The action represents the latest step in an ongoing anti-corruption drive launched by President Xi Jinping, a campaign that has resulted in the investigation, removal, and purging of dozens of senior government officials and high-ranking military commanders over the years.
Among those removed from the legislature was General Xu Xueqiang, who has led the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission — a powerful military body responsible for overseeing the development, acquisition, and testing of weapons and equipment for the People’s Liberation Army. Xu has also served as commander-in-chief of China’s Manned Space Programme since 2022.
Five additional military figures were also removed: General Li Fengbiao, who previously served as political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command; General Guo Puxiao, who held the role of 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.
Also stripped of their legislative posts were Li Yunze, the former head of a financial regulatory agency, and Ma Xingrui, a Politburo member who had recently come under investigation. None of the removed officials could be reached for comment.
