The National People's Congress of China has announced the expulsion of 14 officials, including six military generals and a member of the Politburo, as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping. This decision was made public during the closing of the 23rd session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on June 26, 2026. Among those expelled, Ma Hung Thuy, a former Politburo member and secretary of the Xinjiang region, stands out due to his significant political background.

Ma Hung Thuy, born in 1959 in Heilongjiang province, was once considered a rising star within the Chinese political landscape. He held various prominent positions in the aerospace sector, including Director of the China National Space Administration and General Manager of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. His transition to politics saw him serve as Deputy Minister of Industry and Information Technology and later as Secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Party Committee and Governor of Guangdong Province. In December 2021, he was appointed as the Secretary of the Xinjiang Regional Party Committee.

His recent expulsion follows an investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection due to serious allegations of violating party discipline and laws. This marks a significant moment as Ma is the third serving Politburo member to be investigated during Xi Jinping's current term. The expulsion of six military generals, including three senior lieutenant generals, highlights the ongoing scrutiny of the military under Xi's administration.

Notably, General Xu Xueqiang, head of the Equipment Development Department, and other high-ranking officers have been dismissed as part of this anti-corruption effort, which has intensified particularly within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) since 2023. Observers suggest that these actions reflect Xi Jinping's focus on defense procurement and military oversight, especially following previous high-profile dismissals in the military.

The anti-corruption campaign initiated by Xi in 2012 initially targeted civil officials but has increasingly shifted towards military personnel, particularly those involved in defense procurement and missile forces. Critics argue that these purges serve as a means for Xi to eliminate political rivals and consolidate power ahead of the upcoming 2027 National Congress of the Communist Party of China.