06.02.2026 (12:01 PM)

Three lawmakers with ties to the defense sector in China have been removed from their posts, state media reported.

The move comes at the same time as a top general in China’s military is being investigated.

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported late on February 4 that the lawmakers, who represent the defense, aerospace and nuclear industries, were removed from their posts and did not elaborate on the reasons for the removals or whether they were being investigated.

The Defense Ministry said on January 24 that Gen. Zhang Yao, the second most powerful leader in the Chinese military after Xi, is being investigated for serious violations of discipline and law as part of President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption drive.

The lawmakers removed are Zhou Xinming, former head of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corp of China, which produces most of China’s military aircraft and drones; Liu Changli, a longtime nuclear weapons researcher; and Liu Qi, chief engineer of the state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation.

The provincial governments that removed them did not immediately respond to requests for comment.