China has removed 19 officials — including nine senior military figures — from its list of national lawmakers just days before the country’s most important annual political gathering, the Two Sessions, set to begin in Beijing next week.
The decision was announced by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislative body. While no official reason was provided for the removals, the move comes amid a continuing anti-corruption drive led by President Xi Jinping and follows a string of high-profile purges within the military establishment.
Major Military Figures Removed
Among those removed from the NPC list were senior commanders from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The list includes:
Li Qiaoming, commander of the PLA Ground Force
Shen Jinlong, former PLA Navy commander
Several other military officers were also stripped of their lawmaker status. In addition to military officials, provincial leaders were affected, including Sun Shaochong, the former Communist Party chief of Inner Mongolia.
The removals come just weeks after Zhang Youxia, previously one of Xi Jinping’s closest military allies and among China’s highest-ranking generals, was removed from his post over allegations described as “serious violations of discipline and law” — a phrase commonly used in China to refer to corruption charges.
Anti-Corruption Drive Intensifies
Since assuming power in 2013, Xi Jinping has made anti-corruption enforcement a central pillar of his leadership. His sweeping campaign — often described as targeting both “tigers and flies,” meaning high-ranking and low-level officials alike — has reshaped China’s political and military landscape.
Xi has repeatedly warned that corruption remains “the biggest threat” to the ruling Communist Party and recently described the battle against it as “grave and complex.” Over the past decade, thousands of officials across multiple sectors have been investigated, disciplined, or removed from office.
However, critics argue that the anti-corruption campaign also serves a political function, enabling the consolidation of Xi’s authority by sidelining rivals and reinforcing loyalty within party ranks. The recent removals from the NPC, especially those involving senior military figures, are likely to intensify such speculation.
Pattern of Military Purges
The latest action follows a broader pattern of military reshuffles and crackdowns. In October 2025, Chinese authorities removed nine top generals as part of what was officially described as an anti-corruption operation within the armed forces.
The military, long regarded as a critical pillar of Communist Party control, has undergone significant restructuring under Xi’s leadership. Strengthening ideological discipline, centralizing command authority, and eliminating corruption within the PLA have been recurring themes of reform.
Analysts say the removals signal continued tightening of political discipline within the armed forces, particularly ahead of key national events such as the Two Sessions.
What Are the Two Sessions?
The Two Sessions refer to the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body. Thousands of delegates are expected to gather in Beijing from March 4 to 11.
During the meetings, the government is set to outline its economic priorities, policy direction, and national development strategy, including the release of its next five-year plan framework and annual GDP growth targets.
The sessions are closely watched both domestically and internationally, as they offer insight into China’s economic outlook, defense strategy, and geopolitical priorities.
Political Significance Ahead of Key Policy Announcements
The timing of the removals — just days before the Two Sessions — underscores the importance Beijing places on political unity and discipline during major state events. Ensuring a tightly controlled and loyal delegation at the NPC meeting helps reinforce stability and avoid political distractions.
With China navigating economic headwinds, global trade tensions, and regional security challenges, leadership cohesion remains a strategic priority.
While Beijing has not publicly linked the removals to corruption investigations, the pattern mirrors past purges that preceded major political milestones.
As the Two Sessions approach, observers will closely watch whether additional disciplinary announcements follow and how Xi Jinping frames the anti-corruption campaign in upcoming speeches.
For now, the removal of 19 officials — particularly nine from the military — signals that China’s internal political reshaping remains ongoing, even at the highest levels of power.
