ISLAMABAD: China has launched an investigation into Zhang Youxia, thesenior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and LiuZhenli, chief of staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, for suspectedserious violations of discipline and law, a euphemism typically denotingcorruption. The announcement from the Defence Ministry on Saturday signalsone of the most significant moves in President Xi Jinping’sover-a-decade-long drive to purge graft from the People’s Liberation Army(PLA) and party ranks, targeting even the highest echelons of militaryleadership previously considered close to Xi.
The probe into Zhang Youxia, aged 75 and China’s highest-ranking uniformedofficer, marks a rare and bold step, as he has long been regarded as one ofXi’s closest military allies and a key figure in the CMC. Holding the moresenior vice chairman position, Zhang also serves as a member of thePolitburo, the Chinese Communist Party’s 24-member top decision-makingbody. His role has included overseeing critical aspects of militarymodernization and strategic planning, making his implication a potentialshock to the PLA’s command structure.
Liu Zhenli, 61, occupies the influential position of chief of the CMC JointStaff Department, responsible for combat planning, operational command, andcoordination across PLA branches. The department plays a pivotal role inintegrating joint operations and readiness, positioning Liu as a centralfigure in China’s military reforms. The simultaneous investigation of bothofficials underscores the breadth of the current purge, extending beyondprevious cases that focused on defence ministers and rocket forcecommanders.
This development continues Xi Jinping’s aggressive anti-corruption effortsinitiated since he assumed power in 2012, which have disciplined orpunished more than 200,000 officials across party, state, and militaryinstitutions. The military has been a primary focus, with endemiccorruption identified early in Xi’s tenure as a threat to combat readinessand loyalty. High-profile cases in recent years include the expulsions oftwo former defence ministers in 2024 and multiple rocket force leaders in2023, reflecting persistent issues in procurement, promotions, and loyalty.
Analysts note that while the campaign has modernized the PLA andstrengthened Xi’s control, the targeting of such senior figures raisesquestions about internal stability and the effectiveness of prior vettingprocesses. Zhang Youxia’s family ties to revolutionary history and hisperceived loyalty had previously shielded him from scrutiny, making thisprobe particularly noteworthy. Reports indicate Zhang may have beenformally detained by military investigators shortly after the announcement,highlighting the swift nature of the process.
The CMC, chaired by Xi himself since 2012, now faces significant disruptionwith both vice chairmen positions affected. Zhang Shengmin, the other vicechairman from the rocket force and promoted in late 2025 following hispredecessor’s expulsion, remains unaffected so far. This leaves Xi andpotentially one loyalist in effective command, prompting speculation on howthe purge might influence operational continuity amid regional tensions.
The Defence Ministry’s statement provided no specific details on theallegations, adhering to standard protocol where “serious violations ofdiscipline and law” encompass bribery, abuse of power, and other corruptpractices. Official media, including PLA Daily, emphasized China’s resolveto win the anti-corruption war in the military, framing the move asessential for strengthening party leadership over the armed forces andensuring absolute loyalty.
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Observers point out that such purges serve multiple purposes: rooting outcorruption, eliminating potential rivals, and reinforcing discipline aheadof key political events or military challenges. The timing, amid ongoinggeopolitical pressures, adds weight to concerns over PLA readiness, thoughBeijing maintains that the campaign enhances rather than underminescapability.
International reactions have highlighted the unprecedented nature oftargeting Xi’s inner circle, with some Western assessments suggesting itcould signal deeper instability or a consolidation of power. Nonetheless,the move aligns with Xi’s narrative of uncompromising governance and zerotolerance for graft, a cornerstone of his leadership ideology.
The investigation’s outcome remains uncertain, but it reinforces thepattern of Xi’s rule: no one is above scrutiny in the pursuit of a cleaner,more loyal apparatus. As details emerge, the episode will likely influenceperceptions of China’s military governance and strategic direction.
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