China strips six generals and former financial regulator of lawmaker posts

China has stripped six senior military generals, former financial regulator Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui of their posts in the National People's Congress. The move, announced without a stated reason, is the latest escalation in President Xi Jinping's years-long anti-corruption campaign. Among those dismissed is General Xu Xueqiang, head of the military's Equipment Development Department.

Lawmaker dismissals

• ▪On June 27, 2026, China removed six military lawmakers, former financial regulator Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui from the National People's Congress.
• ▪The National People's Congress Standing Committee announced the dismissals but did not provide a reason for the action.

Anti-corruption campaign

• ▪The dismissals are part of a years-long anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping.
• ▪President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has led to the investigation and removal of numerous senior officials and top generals.

Military officials removed

• ▪General Xu Xueqiang, head of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission, was among those removed.
• ▪General Xu Xueqiang has also served as commander-in-chief of China's Manned Space Programme since 2022.
• ▪Other removed military officials include Wang Kangping of the Eastern Theatre Command, Zhang Minghua of the Cyberspace Force, and Yin Hongxing of the Army.
• ▪General Li Fengbiao, a former political commissar of the PLA Western Theatre Command, was stripped of his lawmaker post.
• ▪General Guo Puxiao, a former political commissar of the PLA Air Force, was also removed from his post.

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