China Ousts Top Aerospace and Defence Leaders

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) removed three senior aerospace and defence leaders: Liu Shiquan, chair of China North Industries Group; Wu Yansheng, chair of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation; and Wang Changqing, deputy manager of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation. No official explanation was given. Unconfirmed reports claim Liu Shiquan was arrested in September. The removals are linked to a probe by the Central Military Commission's equipment procurement department initiated in July, targeting corruption in military procurement. This follows the removal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu in October after seven months, who previously headed the procurement department. Analysts connect this to Xi Jinping's military shake-up. The rocket force is under scrutiny amid leaks of US intelligence. A report warns of a 'maximum period of risk' for China to blockade Taiwan between 2026 and 2028.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) removed three senior aerospace and defence leaders: Liu Shiquan, chair of China North Industries Group; Wu Yansheng, chair of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation; and Wang Changqing, deputy manager of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation. No official explanation was given. Unconfirmed reports claim Liu Shiquan was arrested in September. The removals are linked to a probe by the Central Military Commission's equipment procurement department initiated in July, targeting corruption in military procurement. This follows the removal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu in October after seven months, who previously headed the procurement department. Analysts connect this to Xi Jinping's military shake-up. The rocket force is under scrutiny amid leaks of US intelligence. A report warns of a 'maximum period of risk' for China to blockade Taiwan between 2026 and 2028.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) removed three senior aerospace and defence leaders: Liu Shiquan, chair of China North Industries Group; Wu Yansheng, chair of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation; and Wang Changqing, deputy manager of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation. No official explanation was given. Unconfirmed reports claim Liu Shiquan was arrested in September. The removals are linked to a probe by the Central Military Commission's equipment procurement department initiated in July, targeting corruption in military procurement. This follows the removal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu in October after seven months, who previously headed the procurement department. Analysts connect this to Xi Jinping's military shake-up. The rocket force is under scrutiny amid leaks of US intelligence. A report warns of a 'maximum period of risk' for China to blockade Taiwan between 2026 and 2028.

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