The 24th meeting of the 14th National People’s Congress Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) closed today (28th) in Beijing. The announcement after the meeting revealed that a total of 12 delegates were removed from their positions, including representatives from the military like Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli, Ju Qiansheng, and Zhong Shaojun. It was the first time that Ju Qiansheng and Zhong Shaojun, who had resigned quietly before, were publicly dealt with.
The announcement indicated that among the 12 delegates removed from their positions, 8 were local officials, including Wang Wangsheng, Lu Haiwei, Zhong Jun, Xu Yanbin, Gao Shiwen, Guo Hao, Hong Weizhi, Su Yuahua, and 4 military representatives Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli, Ju Qiansheng, and Zhong Shaojun.
General Zhang Youxia was the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, while General Liu Zhenli served as a member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department. Both were investigated at the beginning of this year. General Ju Qiansheng, who previously served as the Commander of the Strategic Support Force, and Zhong Shaojun, a Major General who served as the Political Commissar of the National Defense University and Director of the General Office of the Central Military Commission.
Aside from Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli being announced under investigation on January 24th, Zhong Shaojun and Ju Qiansheng had been “missing” for a long time before their fate was disclosed.
There were speculations surrounding Zhong Shaojun, who was a long-time close aide to Xi Jinping and had held significant positions within the military. Reports suggested that he was involved in corrupt activities, including benefiting his mother’s business interests through his connections.
The removal of Zhong Shaojun raised various interpretations. Some believed it was a result of Xi Jinping being unable to protect his trusted aide, while others suggested that it might be due to pressure from within the military or the party.
Ju Qiansheng, who had a career progressing through various military roles, including becoming the commander of the Strategic Support Force, has been absent from key events and meetings, including the meetings of the Central Committee. His absence has raised concerns and questions about his status within the party.
Several local officials who were removed from their positions were previously implicated in corruption allegations or had fallen out of favor within their respective regions. Wang Wangsheng, Lu Haiwei, Zhong Jun, Xu Yanbin, Gao Shiwen, Guo Hao, Hong Weizhi, and Su Yuahua were among those removed from their positions.
The removal of these officials signifies ongoing efforts within the CPC to tackle corruption and maintain discipline among party members and government officials at all levels.