Generals stripped of CPPCC roles as China’s corruption clean-up continues

The official dismissal confirms the fall of Han Weiguo, PLA Central Theatre Command’s inaugural commanderPublished: 1:00pm, 3 Mar 2026China has revoked the political advisory seats of three generals, including two who previously held key positions in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) ground force, as the anti-corruption drive continues within the top brass and defence industry.Han Weiguo, Gao Jin and Liu Lei were removed from membership of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and their respective roles in its Standing Committee and relevant special committees, the political advisory body said on Monday.01:12Two top Chinese military generals removed, under investigation for ‘serious violations’Two top Chinese military generals removed, under investigation for ‘serious violations’The authorities gave no explanation for the removals, but such adjustments often relate to changes in status, investigations or political disgrace. The announcement came after last week’s sacking of nine military officials by the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature.The official dismissal provided the first confirmation of the downfall of Han, who served as commander of the PLA Ground Force from August 2017 to June 2021.Han was appointed as first commander of Central Theatre Command when it was established in 2016. In this capacity, he directed the high-profile Zhurihe military parade in July 2017, shortly before his promotion.The event, at the military training ground in northern China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was the first of its kind to be held marking the founding of the PLA, which celebrated its 90th anniversary that year.Gao was inaugural commander of the now-disbanded Strategic Support Force. Created in 2016, it was the PLA’s first division to oversee the military’s space, cyber, electromagnetic and psychological warfare capabilities.