China's Military Leadership Faces Major Purge with Investigation of Top General
China has recently undertaken a significant overhaul of its military command structure, drawing particular attention to the investigation of its highest-ranking military officer, General Zhang Youxia. This development marks one of the most substantial purges in the history of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Investigation Announcement and Official Statements
According to a major announcement broadcast by China's state television network CCTV over the weekend, General Zhang Youxia has been placed under investigation for "suspected serious violations of discipline and law." The Chinese defense ministry confirmed on Saturday that authorities were investigating both Zhang and General Liu Zhenli, a lower-ranking member of the Central Military Commission who previously headed the military's Joint Staff Department.
The People's Liberation Army Daily published an editorial the following day, stating that the action demonstrated China's commitment to punishing corruption within its ranks. The editorial alleged that both generals had "seriously betrayed the trust and expectations" of the Communist Party and the Central Military Commission, fostering political and corruption problems that threatened the party's absolute leadership over the military.
Scope and Significance of the Purge
This military shakeup has virtually reconfigured the entire Central Military Commission, which is chaired by President Xi Jinping himself. The commission, which previously had six members, now retains only one of its original members intact. Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis, described this as "one of the biggest purges of China's military leadership in the history of the People's Republic."
Analysts have noted that these purges are designed to reform the military establishment and ensure unwavering loyalty to President Xi. They form part of a broader anti-corruption campaign that has resulted in disciplinary action against more than 200,000 officials since Xi assumed power in 2012. The military has been a primary target of this crackdown, with the elite Rocket Force coming under particular scrutiny in 2023.
Allegations Against General Zhang Youxia
While China's defense ministry has not provided specific details about the alleged wrongdoing, international media reports have shed some light on the accusations. The Wall Street Journal cited sources claiming that Zhang was accused of leaking sensitive information about China's nuclear weapons program to the United States. The report further alleged that Zhang accepted bribes in exchange for official acts, including facilitating the promotion of an officer to the position of defense minister.
These allegations, while unverified by official Chinese sources, point to serious breaches of national security protocols and ethical standards within the military hierarchy.
Profile of General Zhang Youxia
General Zhang Youxia held the position of most senior military officer in China, ranking just below President Xi Jinping in the military command structure. He served as joint vice-chairperson of the powerful Central Military Commission, the ruling body of the People's Liberation Army. Zhang was also a member of the elite Politburo of the Communist Party and was one of the few leading officers with actual combat experience.
His removal represents only the second instance of a sitting general being ousted from the Central Military Commission since the Cultural Revolution of 1966-1976.
Military Career and Background
Born in Beijing, Zhang joined the army in 1968 and steadily rose through the ranks. He joined the military commission in late 2012 as China's military modernization efforts accelerated. Both Xi Jinping and Zhang hail from the northwestern province of Shaanxi and share family backgrounds as children of former senior officials who fought together in the 1940s civil war.
Zhang's combat experience includes participation in the brief but bloody border war with Vietnam in 1979, which China launched in response to Vietnam's invasion of Cambodia and ousting of the Beijing-backed Khmer Rouge. At just 26 years old, he was sent to the front lines and received rapid promotion for his performance. He also fought in another border clash with Vietnam in 1984 as hostilities continued.
According to a 2017 piece in the official China Youth Daily entitled "These Chinese generals have killed the enemy on the battlefield," Zhang performed excellently during combat operations. China scholars have noted that his battlefield experiences made him an advocate for modernization in military tactics, weapons systems, and force structure.
Interestingly, a Pentagon profile from late 2023 noted that Zhang had been expected to retire in 2022 at age 72 according to standard military practice. However, his retention on the Central Military Commission for a third term likely reflected Xi's desire to maintain a close and experienced ally as his top military adviser.
This investigation and subsequent purge represent a significant moment in China's ongoing efforts to consolidate control over its military apparatus while addressing corruption concerns at the highest levels of command.
