China removes nine military officials ahead of key political meeting

Ahead of China's major annual political meetings next week, the National People's Congress Standing Committee announced the removal of 19 officials, including nine from the military. While no official reason was given, the move follows President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign and the recent removal of a high-ranking general. Those removed include Li Qiaoming, commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force, and Shen Jinlong, a former PLA Navy commander, along with other military officers and provincial officials. These purges are part of Xi's broader anti-corruption efforts, which he has described as crucial to the Communist Party. The annual meetings, known as the Two Sessions, will take place from March 4-11 in Beijing, where the government will announce its five-year plan and economic targets.

Ahead of China's annual "two sessions" political meeting, the country's top legislature removed nine military officials from its list of deputies. The removals, announced by state news agency Xinhua, included five full generals, one lieutenant general, and three major generals. High-ranking officials like Li Wei, Li Qiaoming, Shen Jinlong, Qin Shengxiang, and Yu Zhongfu were among those removed. Other officials included Wang Donghai, Bian Ruifeng, Ding Laifu, and Yang Guang. While authorities provided no specific reason for the removals, such adjustments typically coincide with changes in status, investigations, or disqualifications. The "two sessions" is Beijing's largest annual political gathering.