China has removed two senior military officers from the country's Central Military Commission (CMC), in the latest high-level action under President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign.
Zhang Youxia, who served as a vice-chairman of the CMC and was a member of the Politburo, and Liu Zhenli, chief of the CMC's Joint Staff Department, were removed from their positions following investigations into suspected serious violations of discipline and law, Reuters reported, citing Xinhua.
Their removal leaves only two active members on what was previously a seven-member commission, including Xi Jinping.
12 lawmakers also lose seats
The latest action came alongside changes to China's National People's Congress. Zhang and Liu were among 12 lawmakers whose names were removed from an updated list of deputies, formally ending their membership.
The list also included Lieutenant General Zhong Shaojun, former director of the CMC General Office, and General Ju Qiansheng, who previously headed the Strategic Support Force.
The purge reflects the scale of Xi's campaign against corruption, which has targeted senior figures across China's military, Communist Party, government and state-owned enterprises since he came to power in 2012.
Former Western Theatre commander linked to India clashes
The developments are significant for India because another senior military figure associated with China's Western Theatre Command was removed earlier this week.
Zhao Zongqi, a former commander of the Western Theatre Command, was stripped of his membership of China's top political advisory body on Wednesday. He had overseen the theatre command during periods of tension with India.
The Western Theatre Command is responsible for Chinese military operations across Tibet and Xinjiang and along a large part of China's border with India.
According to India Today, Zhao was in charge during the 2017 Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. He was later reported to have authorised the Galwan operation to “teach India a lesson”. Beijing has not publicly provided a reason for his removal or announced an investigation against him.
Defence sector also under scrutiny
China's anti-graft campaign has extended into its defence industry. Earlier this month, former defence industry regulator Zhang Jianhua was sentenced to 10 years in prison for bribery.
Xinhua reported that Zhang illegally received more than 55 million yuan ($8.15 million) between 2008 and 2025.
In July, China also expelled Ma Xingrui, former chief of Xinjiang province, from the Communist Party and dismissed him from public service over corruption and disciplinary violations.