Chinese military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli removed from NPC roles

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has announced the removal of several high-ranking military officials from their positions as deputies to the 14th National People's Congress. The dismissed individuals include Zhang Youxia, a Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission.

Additionally, the announcement included the removal of Zhong Shaojun, the former Director of the General Office of the Central Military Commission and a former close aide to Xi Jinping, as well as Ju Qiansheng. The dismissal of Zhong is noted as unusual because it occurred without the standard prior public announcement of investigations into “serious violations of discipline and law,” which typically precedes the removal of high-level officials.

Analysts suggest these removals reflect significant shifts and instability within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) leadership. Some observers note that the purge of high-ranking generals has left a vacuum of influential leaders, with a high proportion of regional command positions currently held by lower-ranking lieutenant generals acting in proxy capacities.