China has removed 19 officials, including nine from the military, from its list of lawmakers ahead of its biggest annual political meeting next week.
The removals were announced by the country's top legislative body, the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.
No official reason for the removal has been given, but it comes just weeks after President Xi Jinping removed Zhang Youxia, his highest-ranking general and also one of his closest military allies, from his role.
Since coming to power, Xi has launched waves of anti-corruption drives, calling corruption "the biggest threat" to the Communist Party. However, some critics say it has been used as a tool to purge political rivals.
According to a report by state media outlets, those removed include Li Qiaoming, commander of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force and Shen Jinlong, a former PLA Navy commander.
