A prominent Chinese missile scientist was expelled from China’s top advisory body on Friday amid an anti-corruption drive that has dealt a major blow to the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force. The former chief engineer of the Rocket Forces’ Supreme Research Institute and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering has been removed as head of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), state news agency Xinhua announced on Friday. The report does not specify the specific reason why Mr. Xiao was removed from the highest political advisory body.
Mr. Xiao, 62, is an expert in missile weapons control theory and engineering and has received multiple awards for his contributions to scientific research and innovation.
The decision to expel Mr. Xiao was made during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, which concluded on Friday.
Rocket Force oversees China’s nuclear arsenal and was created in 2015 as part of President Xi Jinping’s military reforms. Since last year, it has been the center of an anti-corruption campaign targeting the military.
Mr. Xiao’s ouster follows the ouster of at least eight other former or current Rocket Force officials.
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Space race elevates Asia to new world order
Space race elevates Asia to new world order
