China Purges Five High-Ranking Generals from National Legislature Ahead of Key "Two Sessions" Meetings

China strips five generals of parliament membership ahead of the 2026 Two Sessions, amid a widening anti-corruption probe into the PLA leadership.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 10:05 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from CNA

High-Level Military Shakeup

In a significant move ahead of the annual legislative meetings, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress announced the removal of five full generals from its ranks. The list includes prominent figures such as Li Qiaoming (Ground Force) and Shen Jinlong (Navy), as well as political commissars from the Navy, Air Force, and Information Support Force. The removal of such high-ranking officers suggests a deep-seated investigation into the military’s top brass, focusing on those responsible for both operational command and political oversight.

Corruption and the "Serious Violations" Euphemism

The dismissals follow a string of high-profile probes into the Central Military Commission (CMC). Most notably, deputy military chief Zhang Youxia is currently under investigation for "serious violations of discipline and law," a phrase almost exclusively used by the Communist Party to denote corruption. This follows the January announcement regarding Liu Zhenli, the chief of staff for the CMC's joint staff department. Analysts suggest these moves are part of a broader effort to consolidate power and ensure absolute loyalty within the PLA as regional tensions persist.

The "Two Sessions" Context

The timing of these removals is critical. Beijing is preparing for the Two Sessions (Lianghui), the nation’s most important annual political gathering, which begins on March 4. During this event, the government will announce its official defense budget, economic growth targets, and diplomatic strategies. Removing these deputies now prevents any public embarrassment during the sessions and allows the leadership to present a unified front.