State broadcaster CCTV reported that Wang Xiaojun, who led the China Rocket Technology Research Institute, has been removed as head of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), but did not provide details on why Wang was removed.
The decision was made after Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC and a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, chaired a regular meeting with lawmakers. The council did not have the authority to completely dismiss Wang. The decision is likely to be finalized in March, before the Congress and the National Assembly meet.
07:00
China airs four-part anti-corruption series on prime-time TV as anti-corruption crackdown resumes
China airs four-part anti-corruption series on prime-time TV as anti-corruption crackdown resumes
China is targeting executives and those close to the Rocket Forces, which oversees nuclear and missile development.
Wang, the rocket scientist, did not respond to an email Tuesday seeking comment on his firing.
According to a 2016 Xinhua report, Wang is from Henan province and graduated from the National University of Defense Technology with a doctorate specializing in rocket engines.
His publications over the past five years demonstrate a research focus on reusable rockets and improving fuel efficiency.
China strips political titles of three top aerospace defense officials amid crackdown
China strips political titles of three top aerospace defense officials amid crackdown
He became a member of the political council in March. His last appearance was in June, when, as chairman of the state-run Rocket Academy, he led officials in an exhibition about aerospace development.
According to the official statement, Wang Xiaojun still held the title of president at the July 26 academy meeting.
Just a few days ago, he received officials from Hunan province. Mr. Wang was then replaced by the acting president, who also serves as chairman of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the state-owned company that operates the China Academy of Rocket Technology.
Wang was appointed president of the academy and deputy party secretary by February 2020, replacing Hao Zhaoping, who became president in 2018.
This academy is also known as CASC First Academy. Both the academy and CASC are under U.S. sanctions that prevent them from investing in PLA-affiliated companies and spreading missile technology to China.
10:14
‘No one is safe’: China to purge record number of ‘tiger’ officials in 2023
‘No one is safe’: China to purge record number of ‘tiger’ officials in 2023
The Chinese government has begun a wide-ranging purge of officials involved in its missile forces and space exploration. In China, the space program is closely linked to the military.
The crewed program draws astronauts from the military’s astronaut corps under the People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Command. The China Manned Space Administration is affiliated with the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s highest military command.
No details were provided regarding Lee Sang-bok’s dismissal as defense secretary, but some clues were obtained.
No details were provided regarding Lee Sang-bok’s dismissal as defense secretary, but some clues were obtained.
In July, the CMC issued an unusual notice asking the public to report irregularities in the evaluation method for equipment bids since October 2017. The notice did not mention Lee, who had been appointed as department head just a month earlier.