Breaking | China removes 9 military officials ahead of Beijing’s ‘two sessions’
South China Morning Post
by Victoria BelaFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China’s top legislative body has removed nine military officials from its list of representatives ahead of Beijing’s highly anticipated annual political meeting, known as the “two sessions.” The officials excluded include five full generals, one lieutenant general, and three major generals, signaling significant changes within the Chinese military hierarchy. This move comes as the country prepares for a major political event that will likely address key policies and leadership roles.
Among those removed were five full generals: Li Wei, Information Support Force political commissar; Li Qiaoming, Army commander; Shen Jinlong, former Navy commander; Qin Shengxiang, former Navy political commissar; and Yu Zhongfu, former Air Force political commissar. The list also included Lieutenant General Wang Donghai, political commissar of the Central Military Commission’s national defense mobilisation department, as well as Major Generals Bian Ruifeng, Ding Laifu, and Yang Guang, representing the CMC, Army, and Rocket Force respectively.
The removal of these high-ranking officials raises questions about their roles in the upcoming meeting. While the reasons for their exclusion are not explicitly stated, it could be related to disciplinary actions or restructuring within the military hierarchy. The two sessions, scheduled to take place next week, are
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026