Key facts
- Six military lawmakers, former financial regulator Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui were removed from their posts in China's National People's Congress.
- The dismissals were reported by state-run Xinhua news agency, citing a notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee.
- No specific reasons were provided for the removals.
- The removals are part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.
- Notable figures removed include General Xu Xueqiang, head of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, and General Li Fengbiao, political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command.
China has removed six military lawmakers, former financial regulator head Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui from their positions within the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body. The dismissals were reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, citing a notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee, which did not provide any reasons for the actions.
This move represents a significant escalation in President Xi Jinping's long-standing anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the investigation, removal, and purging of numerous senior officials and top generals. Among the removed military lawmakers is General Xu Xueqiang, who previously headed the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission and has 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; as well as Wang Kangping, Zhang Minghua, and Yin Hongxing, officials from the Eastern Theatre Command, Cyberspace Force, and Army respectively. Attempts to reach the officials for comment were unsuccessful.