Legislature dismisses two state councilors

It's not every day that Beijing fires two of its five state councilors.

On Tuesday, Xi Jinping signed a presidential order to approve the legislature's (NPCSC) decision to remove:

• Li Shangfu from the State Council, and from his role as China's defense minister
• Qin Gang from the State Council

ICYMI: Qin Gang was dismissed as China's foreign minister back in July following widespread rumors that he engaged in an extramarital affair that resulted in a child with a US passport.

• But he held onto his state councilor title – until now.

What about Li?

• The (former) defense minister hasn't been seen in public for weeks.
• He is reportedly under investigation for corruption.

Beijing is keeping mum on the official reason for the two high-profile dismissals.

Get smart: Speculation that the downfall of Li and Qin hurts Xi's grasp on power completely miss the mark.

• There is no sign Xi's position has been weakened throughout the process.
• Plus, the big man can turn the narrative in his favor by showing he is willing to axe even those closest to him in the name of the Party.