China strips generals, ex-financial regulator, politburo member of lawmaker posts

China has removed six military lawmakers, former financial regulator Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui from their positions in the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body. The state-run Xinhua news agency reported the dismissals, citing a notice from the National People's Congress Standing Committee that provided no specific reasons for the actions.

This move represents the latest development in President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has led to the investigation, removal, and purging of numerous senior officials and top generals over several years. The lack of immediate comment from the defense ministry and the officials themselves underscores the opaque nature of such political purges.

The removed military lawmakers include General Xu Xueqiang, who previously headed the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, a key body overseeing the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) equipment. Xu also served as commander-in-chief of China's Manned Space Programme since 2022.

Other high-ranking military officials stripped of their posts include General Li Fengbiao, former political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command; General Guo Puxiao, former political commissar of the PLA Air Force; and Wang Kangping, Zhang Minghua, and Yin Hongxing, associated with the Eastern Theatre Command, Cyberspace Force, and the Army, respectively. The affected officials could not be reached for comment.