**Qingdao Hainiu sit bottom with 14 points after a seven-point deduction and a five-match losing streak, while Wuhan Three Towns and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger occupy the next two spots on 19 points each.** Multiple clubs face point deductions ranging from five to ten for federation sanctions, compressing the table and pulling teams such as Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai Port closer to the drop zone despite stronger underlying form. Recent results, including Wuhan’s 5-1 win over Qingdao Hainiu and Tianjin’s four-match unbeaten run, have sharpened the battle with roughly five rounds remaining. Remaining fixtures, injury absences, and the ability of deducted sides to accumulate points before the final matchday will determine the two teams relegated to China League One.