China has removed three retired senior military officers from its top political advisory body in a move reported by state media and confirmed by multiple international outlets, marking the latest reshuffle within the upper ranks of the armed forces ahead of the country’s annual parliamentary meetings.
According to Reuters, the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) voted to expel former generals Han Weiguo, Liu Lei and Gao Jin from the advisory body.
The decision comes days before the opening of China’s annual “Two Sessions” political gatherings in Beijing.
Removal Confirmed by State Media
China’s state news agency Xinhua reported that the CPPCC Standing Committee approved the removal of the three retired officers, though it did not provide detailed explanations for the decision.
Reuters reported that such mid-term removals from the CPPCC are uncommon and are often associated with disciplinary investigations or political realignments.
The CPPCC is a key advisory institution within China’s political system, bringing together Communist Party officials, military representatives and delegates from various sectors. While it does not pass laws, it plays an important consultative role.
Who Are the Generals?
According to South China Morning Post, Han Weiguo previously served as commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force and was a former head of the Central Theatre Command.
Liu Lei held senior political commissar positions within the PLA, while Gao Jin formerly commanded the Strategic Support Force, which oversees cyber, space and electronic warfare capabilities, the newspaper reported.
Neither Chinese state media nor official statements detailed specific allegations against the three men.
Broader Military Reshuffle
The move follows a series of high-profile changes within China’s military establishment. China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee removed several military deputies from the legislature amid ongoing internal reviews.
Analysts cited by Reuters say the latest removals are consistent with President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign within the armed forces, which has targeted both active-duty and retired officers.
Xi has repeatedly emphasized the need for absolute Party control over the military and strict political discipline within the ranks.
Timing Ahead of Key Political Meetings
The removals come just before China’s annual parliamentary sessions — known collectively as the “Two Sessions” — during which the CPPCC and the National People’s Congress convene to set policy priorities and economic targets for the year.
According to Reuters, the timing underscores the leadership’s focus on ensuring political discipline and unity ahead of the high-profile meetings.
Political analysts say personnel adjustments ahead of the Two Sessions are often designed to reinforce the Party’s authority and present an image of stability.
No Immediate Official Explanation
Chinese authorities have not publicly announced whether the removals are linked to corruption probes, political discipline violations or broader structural reforms within the PLA.
As Reuters notes, such announcements in China are frequently made without detailed public disclosure, leaving observers to interpret the political significance based on timing and context.
The developments highlight continued turbulence within China’s senior military and political circles, even as Beijing projects an image of cohesion ahead of its most important annual political event.
