The military’s presence at China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) is shrinking as President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign continues to target high-ranking officers. This year, the number of military delegates attending the annual plenary session has dropped to 267, down from 281 in 2023, with 14 members removed due to corruption investigations.
The declining representation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police at China’s top legislative body marks the steepest reduction among all provincial, government, and industry delegations. A review by the Financial Times (FT) of official reports, NPC announcements, and delegate lists highlights how Xi’s crackdown on alleged “discipline violations” has disproportionately affected the armed forces compared to other sectors.
Of the 2,997 NPC delegates appointed in 2023, only 2,942 remain, with military figures accounting for the most significant drop. The ongoing purges underscore Xi’s long-term goal of consolidating control over the armed forces, even as Communist Party leaders shift their focus towards reviving the economy amid rising US tariffs and a lingering property slump.
Anti-Corruption Drive Reshapes the Military Leadership
Beijing’s efforts to modernise and restructure its military have led to widespread removals of senior personnel. Since March 2023, four high-ranking military officials have been stripped of their NPC delegate status: former Defence Minister Li Shangfu and former PLA Deputy Commander Deng Zhiping were dismissed in September, while their counterparts You Haitao and Li Pengcheng were removed in December.
Observers anticipate further reductions in the PLA’s representation next year, as additional figures come under scrutiny. Miao Hua, the military’s top political commissar, was suspended in November from his role in the Central Military Commission (CMC), the body that commands China’s armed forces. While he remains an NPC delegate on paper, he is not expected to attend this year’s session.
Military Disruptions Amidst Growing Regional Tensions
Despite these internal shake-ups, China’s military posture remains unchanged. The PLA continues to escalate pressure on Taiwan and expand its reach in the South China Sea. The upcoming NPC session will feature key military announcements, including an expected increase in China’s official defence budget on March 5 and Xi Jinping’s address to military delegates on March 7.
While the anti-corruption purge has disrupted the upper echelons of the PLA, analysts suggest it has had little impact on the military’s operational capabilities. However, the absence of senior commanders from recent state media footage has raised speculation about further political turmoil within the ranks.
As Xi Jinping strengthens his grip over China’s armed forces, the NPC’s diminishing military representation reflects his broader effort to align the country’s military leadership with his vision for national security and regional dominance.
