China removes three retired generals from national advisory body
BBC World
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
China has removed three retired military generals, including a former commander of the People's Liberation Army ground force, from the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), just days before the start of its annual political gathering. The move comes as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping, which critics argue is being used to target political rivals. The generals removed are Han Weiguo, Gao Jin, and Liu Lei, all of whom held significant roles in the military before their retirements.
The CPPCC, a top political advisory body, voted to sack the three generals without providing any explanation. Their removal is unusual because delegates typically serve out their five-year terms, with the current terms set to end in March 2028. This marks the second time that Han and Liu have been removed from their roles since stepping down from active military service. Gao, who was the inaugural commander of the now-dissolved Strategic Support Force, also lost his position.
The removals follow a series of high-profile dismissals in recent months, including the ouster of Zhang Youxia, China's highest-ranking military general, and his ally Liu Zhenli, both of whom are under investigation for serious disciplinary violations. Additionally, another CPPCC member, Zhang Kejian, a senior defense industry official, was also sacked amid corruption allegations.
This latest round of purges underscores the intensifying anti-corruption efforts under President Xi Jinping, which have seen a steady pace of高层 military leadership changes in recent years. While the campaign is officially framed as a push for integrity and efficiency within the Communist Party, critics argue that it serves as a tool to consolidate power and eliminate political opponents.
The significance of these developments lies in their potential impact on China's internal stability and its relationship with the outside world. The removal of military leaders could signal shifts in national security policies and may raise questions about the direction of Xi Jinping's leadership. As the Two Sessions unfold, the full implications of these changes will likely become clearer, making this a closely watched event for global observers of Chinese politics.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 3/3/2026