China ousts defence firm executives from top political body

Three executives at leading Chinese missile defence firms have been removed from Beijing’s top political advisory committee, according to state media, in the latest high-level demotions in the country’s military establishment.

Among those ousted was Wu Yansheng, chairman of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, which oversees development of the country’s spacecraft and missile systems.

Also removed were Liu Shiquan — chairman of Norinco Group, a leading manufacturer of military equipment — and Wang Changqing, a former expert at the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

All three firms are state-owned and play a key role in the country’s defence industry.

No reason was given for their removals on Wednesday from the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, which was reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

Fighting alleged corruption has long been a central theme of Xi’s rule, which has been punctuated by a series of high-level removals and disappearances of officials.

In October, Defence Minister Li Shangfu was abruptly sacked following months of speculation about his whereabouts. A replacement for Li has not yet been announced and Beijing has not given a reason for his removal.

Recent months have also seen an overhaul in the leadership of China’s secretive Rocket Force, the army unit that oversees Beijing’s nuclear arsenal, following media reports of a corruption probe involving its former chief.

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