§  China Removes Nine Military Officials Ahead of Two Sessions 2026 – What This Means for Xi’s Power

§  China Removes Nine Military Officials 2026

§  Major Military Purge Before Two Sessions

§  China removes nine military officials from its legislature ahead of the Two Sessions 2026

§  Learn how Xi Jinping is tightening control over the PLA and what this means for China’s politics and global power

Sana, China: In a major political move just before China’s biggest annual political event, China has removed 19 officials from its National People’s Congress (NPC), including nine from the military. The decision was announced by the NPC Standing Committee but no official reason was given. However, this comes amid a wave of anti‑corruption actions and the recent removal of Zhang Youxia, one of President Xi Jinping’s top generals and closest military allies. Analysts say this latest shake‑up is part of Xi’s broader effort to tighten control over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and stamp out corruption, though critics argue it may also be used to sideline rivals.

Details & Context

China removed 19 senior officials from its list of national lawmakers ahead of the Two Sessions, the country’s most important annual political meetings. Among them were nine with strong military backgrounds, including top‑ranking officers from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The removals were confirmed by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, China’s top legislative authority, which oversees the country’s political representation.

Xi Jinping has ruled China since 2013 and has consistently framed anti‑corruption as one of the most critical challenges facing the Communist Party. He has repeatedly called corruption “the biggest threat” to the Party’s stability and survival. Since coming to power, his government has launched repeated anti‑corruption drives, often targeting both high‑level “tigers” and low‑level “flies” in the bureaucracy and military.

The removal of the nine military officials is especially notable because it follows the forced exit of Zhang Youxia, who until recently was one of the highest‑ranking generals in the PLA and a close ally of Xi. Zhang was accused of “serious violations of discipline and law” — a standard phrase in Chinese political language that usually signals corruption, abuse of power or political misconduct. His removal has already caused speculation that Xi is consolidating control over the military and removing potential rivals.

Reports from state media also highlighted that among those dropped from the NPC list are:

·       Li Qiaoming, former commander of the PLA Ground Force

·       Shen Jinlong, former PLA Navy commander

·       Several other senior military officers

·       Sun Shaochong, former party chief of Inner Mongolia and other provincial officials

These figures represent some of the most powerful people in China’s military and regional politics and their removal from the national lawmaker list is a major signal of shifting power dynamics. It also continues a pattern of military purges in recent years, including a 2025 crackdown that led to the removal of nine top generals over similar “discipline” and “anti‑corruption” charges.

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Quotes

On X (Twitter) and Facebook, the news triggered a flood of reactions from international observers, military analysts and political commentators. Here are some representative quotes that capture the online mood

·       “China removes nine military officials just weeks before the Two Sessions. This is less about corruption and more about Xi securing total control over the PLA.” – Security analyst on X.

·       “Another big shake‑up in China’s command structure. Expect more ‘discipline violations’ stories in the next few months.” – Geopolitical commentator on X.

·       “China’s anti‑corruption drive is real but it’s also a powerful tool to remove anyone who challenges Xi’s authority.” – China policy expert on Facebook.

·       “The fact that former PLA Ground Force and Navy commanders are being sidelined suggests Xi wants loyalists, not independent power centres, in the military.” – Defense analyst on X.

·       These posts show that social‑media users and analysts are viewing the removal of nine military officials as both a security and political maneuver, not just a routine administrative change.

·       President Xi Jinping: “Corruption is the biggest threat to the Communist Party – the battle remains grave and complex.” (From his recent speeches on anti-corruption.)

·        NPC Standing Committee statement: “19 officials, including nine from the military, removed from lawmaker list – no further details provided.”

·       From X user @ChinaDaily (post on Feb 27, 2026): “China removes 19 officials ahead of Two Sessions – anti-corruption drive continues under Xi.”

·       Critic on X @HRW (post on Feb 26, 2026): “Xi's purges: Anti-corruption or purging rivals? Latest military removals raise questions.”

·       State media report: “The removals are part of ongoing efforts to clean the party and military of corrupt elements.”

Additional Information

The Two Sessions, which are scheduled to run from March 4 to 11, are China’s most important annual political gatherings. They include

·       The National People’s Congress (NPC) – China’s nominal legislature where key laws and policy decisions are rubber‑stamped.

·       The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) – an advisory body that includes representatives from business, academia and mass organizations.

During the Two Sessions, the government will:

·       Announce its five‑year plan, outlining long‑term economic and social goals.

·       Present its annual economic targets, including growth, employment and infrastructure spending.

·       Introduce new leadership appointments and policy changes across ministries, including defense and security.

The removal of the nine military officials just before this event is widely seen as a calculated move to clean up the political battlefield. By removing senior figures who may be seen as controversial or potentially disloyal, Xi can ensure smoother approval of his agenda and reduce internal resistance.

Internationally, this purge is also being watched closely because the PLA is China’s main military force, responsible for its territorial claims, cyber operations and global military presence. A shake‑up in its leadership could influence how China handles issues like Taiwan, the South China Sea and defense relations with the US and India.

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Impact Analysis

The removal of nine military officials ahead of the Two Sessions has several important implications

i.                 Strengthening Xi’s Control Over the PLA

·       By removing powerful generals and former commanders, Xi minimizes the risk of factionalism or independent power centres within the military.

·       This move aligns with his long‑term strategy of “placifying the army” – ensuring that the military remains loyal to the Party’s leadership, not to individual generals.

ii.               Anti‑Corruption vs Political Purge Debate

·       On the surface, the government frames these removals as part of its anti‑corruption struggle.

·       However, many experts argue that anti‑corruption campaigns are also being used to remove officials who may oppose Xi’s policies or challenge his authority.

·       This creates a dilemma: the public may see the purge as necessary cleaning, while abroad it may be interpreted as authoritarian tightening.

iii.             Signal to Other Officials

·       Lower‑level and mid‑level officials in the military and bureaucracy are likely to become more cautious and compliant after seeing such high‑profile exits.

·       This could reduce risk‑taking and innovation in policy making but it may increase party discipline and loyalty.

iv.             Impact on China’s Global Image

·       Domestically, these moves are presented as strength and stability.

·       Internationally, critics may see them as centralization of power and a sign that Xi’s leadership is becoming more personalized and less transparent.

·       This could affect how foreign governments and investors view China’s political risk and long‑term governance.

Conclusion

The removal of nine military officials just before the Two Sessions is a clear sign that Xi Jinping is tightening his grip on China’s military and political institutions. While the government publicly labels these actions as part of its anti‑corruption drive, many analysts believe they are also a way to purge potential rivals and consolidate power. For ordinary citizens and global observers, this event highlights how China’s political system is evolving under Xi — with a stronger emphasis on control, discipline and loyalty over pluralism or open debate.

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