Beijing: China has removed at least nine senior military officials from its national legislature, just days ahead of the country's largest annual political meeting scheduled for next week. The National People's Congress (NPC) has updated its list of deputies from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and People's Armed Police, reducing the total number to 243.

According to Anadolu Agency, the officials removed include five full generals, one lieutenant general, and three major generals. The full generals are Li Wei, the political commissar of the Information Support Force; Li Qiaoming, commander of the ground forces; former navy commander Shen Jinlong; former navy political commissar Qin Shengxiang; and former air force political commissar Yu Zhongfu. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Wang Donghai, the political commissar of the Central Military Commission's National Defence Mobilisation Department, and Maj. Gens. Bian Ruifeng, Ding Laifu, and Yang Guang have also been removed. Authorities have not disclosed the reasons for these removals.

On the same day, the NPC Standing Committee voted to remove Wang Xiangxi from his position as Minister of Emergency Management. A report by think tank China Power highlights that of the 47 generals appointed in 2022 and later, 87% have either been investigated or removed. Overall, roughly 52% of senior PLA positions have experienced investigations or purges under President Xi Jinping, reflecting an unprecedented shake-up.

The removals occur amidst ongoing investigations into two top generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, for "suspected serious discipline and law violations," as stated by the Defense Ministry. The NPC is set to convene next week for its annual 'Two Sessions,' where lawmakers from across China will assemble in Beijing.