China’s Ministry of National Defense has confirmed investigations into two of the People’s Liberation Army’s most senior figures, marking a major escalation in President Xi Jinping’s military purge.
Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, head of the Joint Staff Department, are accused of “grave violations of discipline and the law”. No details have been disclosed.
The move leaves the commission with only two members and removes two of the PLA’s most experienced operational commanders.
Key developments
• Investigations deepen Xi’s long-running anti-corruption drive within the People’s Liberation Army
• Analysts warn of short-term disruption to command, training, and morale
• Purges since 2023 have disproportionately hit senior officers and arms procurement networks
Observers say the shake-up may delay near-term military readiness, including pressure on Taiwan, while Xi seeks to rebuild loyal command structures.
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