Beijing | February 27, 2026
China’s top legislative body has removed 19 delegates from the National People’s Congress (NPC), including nine senior military officials, just days before the country convenes its annual “Two Sessions” political meetings in Beijing.
The decision was approved by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress, the nation’s highest legislative authority. The announcement did not provide detailed explanations for each removal.
The Event: Senior Military and Civilian Figures Dropped
Among those removed are Li Qiaoming, commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force, and Shen Jinlong, former commander of the PLA Navy. Several provincial-level officials were also affected, including Sun Shaocheng, the former Communist Party chief of Inner Mongolia.
Separately, the legislature voted to dismiss Wang Xiangxi from his post as Minister of Emergency Management following an investigation by China’s anti-corruption authorities. Liu Shaoyun was also removed from his role as head of the PLA’s military court.
The timing of these changes comes immediately before the start of the annual “Two Sessions,” during which thousands of delegates gather in Beijing to review policy priorities, economic targets, and national development strategies.
Reasons Cited: Discipline and Anti-Corruption
While specific allegations were not publicly detailed, state media indicated that some officials are under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law” — a phrase commonly used in China in connection with corruption-related offenses.
President Xi Jinping has repeatedly described corruption as one of the most significant threats facing the Communist Party.
Since taking office in 2013, he has led an extensive anti-corruption campaign targeting both high-ranking officials and lower-level cadres in what has been widely known as the “tigers and flies” drive.
Earlier this year, China’s defense authorities confirmed investigations into senior military leaders, signaling that the anti-graft campaign continues to extend deep into the armed forces.
Aftermath: Focus on Stability Ahead of Two Sessions
The removals come at a politically sensitive moment. The “Two Sessions” meetings — comprising the annual gatherings of the NPC and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) — serve as a platform for unveiling economic goals, legislative priorities, and broader governance strategies.
Analysts say leadership changes before the sessions may reflect an effort to reinforce internal discipline and project stability ahead of major policy announcements. The meetings are expected to outline economic growth targets and strategic reforms for the year ahead.
News Behind the News: Military Reshuffle and Power Consolidation
In recent years, China’s military establishment has witnessed multiple high-profile investigations and dismissals. Several senior generals were removed in 2025 as part of anti-corruption probes.
Observers note that the continued scrutiny of military leadership underscores Beijing’s emphasis on maintaining party control over the armed forces.
While the anti-corruption campaign has been officially framed as a governance reform initiative, some critics argue it also serves to consolidate authority and reshape institutional loyalty.
With the “Two Sessions” about to begin, the latest personnel adjustments highlight ongoing restructuring within China’s political and military hierarchy — developments that may shape the tone and direction of policy discussions in the days ahead.
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