In a dramatic move, China has ousted three prominent lawmakers with deep connections to the defence industry, just as the country embarks on a military modernization drive. But is this a routine reshuffle or a sign of deeper political turmoil?
The story unfolds in Beijing, where state media announced the removal of these lawmakers on February 5, 2026, without providing reasons or indicating any ongoing investigations. This comes on the heels of a corruption purge initiated by President Xi Jinping, targeting the nation's top brass.
But here's where it gets controversial: the purge has now reached General Zhang Youxia, a close ally of Xi and second-in-command of China's military. Zhang's investigation for alleged disciplinary and legal violations has left the U.S. without a familiar face in China's military leadership, a potential challenge for maintaining strategic stability between the two global superpowers.
The dismissed lawmakers include Zhou Xinmin, former leader of Aviation Industry Corp of China, a state-owned behemoth responsible for producing most of the country's military aircraft and drones. Liu Cangli, a renowned nuclear weapons researcher, and Luo Qi, chief engineer at China National Nuclear Corp, were also removed.
The timing is intriguing, as these dismissals come just a month before the National People's Congress, China's annual legislative gathering. Xi's ambitious goal of achieving full military modernization by 2035, surpassing even the U.S. in military spending, may now face new challenges.
Zhou's removal from AVIC is particularly noteworthy, as it occurred after an anti-corruption meeting. His predecessor, Tan Ruisong, was also ousted for corruption, raising questions about the prevalence of corruption in China's defence sector.
As the world watches, China's political landscape appears to be shifting. Are these moves a sign of Xi's tightening grip on power, or is there more to the story? The implications for global military dynamics and China's future are significant, leaving many wondering what comes next.
