In a significant development, China’s defence ministry has announced an investigation into one of the country’s top military leaders, General Zhang Youxia, over “grave violations of discipline and the law”. This move comes as part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing crackdown on corruption within the armed forces.
General Zhang, who has long been seen as a close ally of President Xi, serves as a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the Communist Party’s top military body. He also holds a seat on the party’s elite 25-member Politburo, underscoring his high-level influence.
The defence ministry provided few details about the specific allegations against Zhang, but in China, such accusations are often a euphemism for corruption. Another senior military officer, General Liu Zhenli, is also under investigation as part of the same probe.
The announcement follows the expulsion of nine top generals in October, marking one of the largest public purges of the military in recent decades. This latest investigation suggests President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign continues to target even the highest echelons of China’s armed forces.
Zhang, 75, was kept in office beyond the customary retirement age, indicating the president’s trust in him until now. His father was one of the founding generals of the Chinese Communist Party, further highlighting Zhang’s deep roots within the political establishment.
The news comes just days after rumours surfaced that Zhang and Liu were absent from a high-level party event in December, sparking speculation about their potential downfall.
Since taking power in 2012, President Xi has launched a sweeping anti-corruption drive across various government departments, with the military being a particular focus. He has described corruption as the “biggest threat” to the Communist Party, vowing to continue the fight against it.
While advocates argue the policy promotes good governance, others believe it has been used as a tool to purge political rivals. With the latest investigation into Zhang and Liu, the CMC is now down to just two members: President Xi, who serves as the chairman, and Zhang Shengmin, who oversees the military’s disciplinary affairs.
The ongoing crackdown on high-ranking military officials underscores the importance President Xi places on maintaining firm control over the armed forces, a crucial pillar of the Communist Party’s power. As the investigation into General Zhang Youxia unfolds, it will be closely watched for its potential impact on the balance of power within China’s military leadership.
