Chinese Communist Party Investigates High-Ranking Officers
The Chinese Communist Party has initiated criminal investigations against two senior generals, including the most influential officer in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), as announced by the Defense Ministry on Saturday.
General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and General Liu Zhenli, chief of staff for the PLA joint staff department, are under scrutiny for alleged “serious discipline and law violations,” according to a ministry statement.
The investigation was ordered by the CCP Central Committee, which is the party’s highest governing body. Specific details regarding the alleged misconduct have not been disclosed.
Such investigations typically signal a precursor to complete removal from power within the military ranks. The Central Military Commission, chaired by President Xi Jinping, oversees PLA operations and decisions related to warfare.
General Zhang is recognized as a key figure within the commission, and this latest investigation highlights ongoing high-level changes within military leadership. He was known to be a close ally of Xi Jinping.
The other vice chairman, General Zhang Shengmin, took office in October after replacing General He Weidong. General He was expelled last year amid allegations of serious disciplinary breaches linked to financial misconduct and political disloyalty.
This unprecedented move marks significant upheaval within Chinese military history. Former CIA analyst Christopher K. Johnson remarked that it represents a drastic shift in command structure.
The recent actions have reduced the Central Military Commission to just two members: Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin, following extensive purges since 2020 that removed nearly all leaders appointed during that period.
Since 2020, approximately 120 military officers have been dismissed due to corruption allegations or as part of efforts to strengthen senior ranks within the PLA.
The Pentagon’s annual report highlighted ongoing turbulence affecting senior leadership due to rampant corruption within the PLA. Notably, General Li Shangfu was removed from his position due to corruption linked with arms procurement earlier this month.
An additional significant ousting occurred when Admiral Miao Hua was purged from his role overseeing political work within the military last November.
The Pentagon report suggested that while these anticorruption campaigns may temporarily affect military readiness, they could ultimately lead to improvements in overall PLA capabilities as it approaches its centenary in 2027.
