Legislature Concludes Session with Key Removals
Beijing, China – The Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, concluded its 21st session on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Beijing. During the closing meeting, lawmakers voted to remove two prominent officials from their posts.
Wang Xiangxi was removed from his position as Minister of Emergency Management, with President Xi Jinping signing a presidential order for his dismissal. Reports indicate that Wang Xiangxi had been under a corruption investigation. Additionally, Liu Shaoyun was removed from his role as president of the military court of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Broader Legislative Dismissals Precede Annual Meeting
These removals by the Standing Committee are part of a wider series of dismissals ahead of the upcoming annual NPC session. In total, 19 members of China's legislature, including nine military officers, were dismissed. While no specific reasons were officially provided for all the dismissals, such actions are generally understood to be linked to ongoing corruption investigations.
The nine military officers removed from the legislature include several high-ranking figures:
- Li Qiaoming, Ground Force commander
- Li Wei, Information Support Force political commissar
- Ding Laifu, from the army
- Bian Ruifeng and Wang Donghai, both from the Central Military Commission
- Shen Jinlong, former Navy commander
- Qin Shengxiang, former Navy political commissar
- Yu Zhongfu, from the air force
- Yang Guang, from the Rocket Force
Earlier in February, an emergency session of the NPCSC also saw the removal of three delegates with ties to the defense industry: Zhou Xinmin, Luo Qi, and Liu Cangli.
Context of Xi Jinping's Anti-Corruption Campaign
These legislative and military purges align with President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has been a hallmark of his leadership for over a decade. The military, in particular, has been a significant focus of this drive, as President Xi seeks to reform and modernize the armed forces. Analysts suggest that the campaign also serves to consolidate power and ensure loyalty within the Communist Party and the military.
Looking Ahead to the Annual NPC Session
The dismissals occurred just one week before the commencement of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress, which is scheduled to open next Thursday. The NPC, largely a ceremonial body, is expected to rubber-stamp decisions made by the ruling Communist Party. The upcoming session will review the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and deliberate on various draft laws.
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