The dismissal of several PLA veterans, including a former ground force commander, underscores the volatility of China’s defense leadership under Xi Jinping.
The Chinese political landscape faced fresh tremors on Monday as three retired military heavyweights were purged from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). The individuals—Han Weiguo, Gao Jin, and Liu Lei—represent some of the most senior figures in the People’s Liberation Army to be sidelined in recent months. Their removal coincides with a broader investigation into the defense industry, which also saw the sacking of Zhang Kejian, a prominent official in military procurement and technology.
This wave of dismissals follows the high-profile exit of General Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli in January, both of whom are reportedly under investigation for “serious violations of discipline.” The sudden vacancy of these roles, particularly mid-term, is a rare occurrence in the highly scripted world of Chinese governance. It highlights an ongoing effort by the central leadership to tighten its grip on the military’s logistical and strategic departments, which have been plagued by allegations of graft and inefficiency.
“Delegates of the CPPCC and NPC typically serve out their five-year terms… which makes these mid-term removals unusual.”
The purge comes just as Beijing prepares for the “Two Sessions,” where the National People’s Congress and the CPPCC meet to finalize the national budget and legislative priorities. With 19 officials, including nine from the military, dismissed in the last week alone, the atmosphere surrounding this year’s meetings is expected to be one of heightened caution. Critics suggest that the unrelenting pace of these investigations reflects Xi Jinping’s determination to ensure the PLA remains a politically reliable force as regional tensions persist.
SOURCES: China’s Defence Ministry, Xinhua News Agency, CPPCC Secretariat.
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