China has removed nine senior military officials from its top legislative body, the National People's Congress. The NPC Standing Committee made the announcement on Friday but gave no reasons.

A Hong Kong media outlet says those dismissed include top officials of the military's Rocket Force. It says the move could be related to a corruption probe reportedly underway into procurements by the force, which manages nuclear and missile arsenals. There is speculation of a major crackdown.

Some foreign media reports say former Defense Minister Li Shangfu was involved in the corruption. Li was dismissed in October without an immediate replacement.

The Standing Committee on Friday appointed Dong Jun, former top commander of the Chinese Navy, as Defense Minister.

There have been other dismissals. On Wednesday, three senior executives at military-related companies were removed from the top-level advisory body called the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.