China's legislature has removed nineteen deputies from their positions, including nine military officers, just one week before the commencement of its annual meeting. The announcement, made late on Thursday, did not specify the reasons for these dismissals, but such actions are typically linked to ongoing corruption investigations.
Xi Jinping's Anti-Corruption Drive Continues Unabated
President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign, which has been ongoing for over a decade, shows no signs of slowing down. This latest move is part of a broader effort to reform and modernize China's armed forces, with the military being a particular focus in recent years. The campaign has also been interpreted by analysts as a strategic method for Xi, now in his fourteenth year of power, to eliminate potential rivals and reinforce loyalty among his subordinates.
Impact on the National People's Congress
The dismissals are not expected to significantly affect the upcoming National People's Congress session, scheduled to open next Thursday and last for approximately one week. This largely ceremonial legislature primarily endorses decisions already made by the ruling Communist Party, so the removal of these deputies is unlikely to alter the proceedings.
Details of the Removed Military Officers
Among the dismissed officers are two from the Central Military Commission, the highest military body in China, as well as representatives from the army, navy, air force, and rocket force. Notably, three of these officers hold the rank of general. The rocket force, which oversees China's nuclear arsenal, has been an early target in the military purges, highlighting the campaign's reach into critical defense sectors.
Other Deputies and Legislative Actions
The remaining dismissed deputies were regional representatives from various provinces. Following these removals, the National People's Congress now comprises 2,878 members. The dismissals were approved by the legislature's Standing Committee, a smaller and more powerful group that meets periodically throughout the year and has the authority to approve legislation. In addition to the deputies, the Standing Committee, which convened ahead of next week's congress, also fired two officials: the president of the military court and Emergency Management Minister Wang Xiangxi. Authorities had previously announced last month that Wang is under investigation for corruption, underscoring the ongoing nature of these probes.
