Story perspectives

China Expels Space Commander, Generals in NPC Purge

6/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

China’s legislature expelled a space-program commander and top generals on Friday.
Six military lawmakers, regulator Li Yunze and Politburo member Ma Xingrui lost their NPC seats without explanation.
The NPC Standing Committee issued the removal notice without explanation.
The defense ministry declined comment.
The purge, part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, removed General Xu Xueqiang, head of Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department and commander-in-chief of manned space programme.

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Story summary

China’s legislature expelled a space-program commander and top generals on Friday.
Six military lawmakers, regulator Li Yunze and Politburo member Ma Xingrui lost their NPC seats without explanation.
The NPC Standing Committee issued the removal notice without explanation.
The defense ministry declined comment.
The purge, part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, removed General Xu Xueqiang, head of Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department and commander-in-chief of manned space programme.