China removes three retired generals from national advisory body
Posted on: Mar 03, 2026 13:05 IST | Posted by: Bbc
people's republic of china has removed iii retired war machine generals, including a former commander of the People's freeing Army ground force, from a top political advisory body just days before its largest annual political gathering.
The advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) has voted to remove Han Weiguo, Gao Jin and Liu Lei, state media said on Monday.
Authorities gave no explanation for the ousters but they come as China's purges of military top brass have picked up pace in recent weeks.
China's leader Xi Jinping has launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign since he came to power in 2012. Critics however say he is using it as a tool to remove political rivals.
Some 3,000 delegates from the CPPCC, an advisory body with no legislative power – and China's rubber-stamp legislature the National People's Congress – will gather in Beijing this week for the annual Two Sessions. The meetings begin tomorrow and will run for about a week.
Delegates of the CPPCC and NPC typically serve out their five-year terms, and their current terms are set to end in March 2028, which makes these mid-term removals unusual.
Han, 70, served as the PLA army's commander from August 2017 until he retired in June 2021. His two successors, Liu Zhenli and Li Qiaoming, have also been removed from their respective roles in the last two months.
Liu Lei, also 70, served as political commissar of the army from December 2015 to January 2022, which includes the period during which Han was in command.
Gao, 67, was the inaugural commander of the now-dissolved Strategic Support Force when it was formed in 2015. He was most recently the commander of the Central Military Commission's Logistic Support Department, until he retired in January 2022.
In addition to the three generals, several other CPPCC members were officially sacked, including Zhang Kejian, a senior official in the defence industry who is under investigation for corruption.
Monday's removals follow a series of high-profile dismissals.
Just last Thursday, authorities announced they had sacked 19 officials, including nine from the military,
In January, China's highest-ranking military general Zhang Youxia and his close ally Liu Zhenli were removed from their roles. Both generals are under investigation for "serious violations of discipline and law", China's defence ministry said.
Additional reporting by Ian Tang from BBC Monitoring
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.