China's highest-ranking military officer has been stripped of his position and placed under investigation, marking a dramatic escalation in President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the armed forces. The Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), faces scrutiny for alleged "serious discipline and law violations."
The terse statement provided no specific details regarding the nature of General Zhang's alleged misconduct. However, his removal represents the most senior military figure to fall in a series of purges that have fundamentally reshaped the leadership structure of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). At 75 years old, Zhang's career spanned decades and placed him at the pinnacle of military power, second only to Xi Jinping himself, who chairs the CMC.
The significance of Zhang's fall cannot be overstated. Unlike many officials targeted in previous anti-corruption drives, Zhang enjoyed a uniquely close relationship with China's paramount leader. Their personal connection traced back to the Chinese Civil War era, when their fathers fought side by side. This historical bond had long insulated Zhang from political headwinds, making his sudden downfall particularly striking to China watchers and military analysts.
The investigation extends beyond Zhang alone. Liu Zhenli, another CMC member who served as chief of the military's joint staff department, simultaneously faces investigation for similar violations. Liu's role was critical to modernizing PLA operations, overseeing joint military exercises and coordinating between different service branches. His removal creates what experts describe as a "capability gap" in operational planning and strategic command.
These latest dismissals follow the expulsion of He Weidong in October 2025, who previously held the other vice chair position within the commission. The CMC has now lost three of its most experienced leaders within a single year, reducing its membership to the smallest number in recent memory. The body, which once comprised seven members during earlier administrations, now operates with minimal leadership depth.
President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption initiative, launched shortly after he assumed power in 2012, has targeted over 200,000 military officials, according to CNN's analysis. While the campaign publicly frames itself as a moral crusade against embezzlement and financial crimes, many observers view it as a sophisticated mechanism for consolidating political control over the armed forces. By systematically removing potential rivals and installing loyalists, Xi has transformed the PLA into a more politically reliable instrument of state power.
The Defense Ministry's official statement remained characteristically brief: "China's defense ministry on Saturday announced that senior military officials Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli have been investigated for suspected serious discipline and law violations." This formulaic language follows a pattern established in previous announcements, offering minimal transparency while signaling the seriousness of the charges.
Academic experts emphasize the unprecedented nature of these removals. Rosemary Foot, a professor and senior research fellow at Oxford University's Department of Politics and International Relations, noted that while corruption-related dismissals have become commonplace, the latest developments represent a watershed moment. "Several senior military figures have been removed over the last few years, mostly on charges related to alleged corruption, which seems to be endemic in the PLA," she explained. "But these latest removals are particularly significant: Zhang is said to be a childhood friend of Xi's; it means the Central Military Commission now has only two members instead of the seven it had in the past; he was the highest ranking service officer with actual past combat experience; and a member of the Politburo. Liu, also a member of the CMC, was head of the joint staff department with responsibilities for joint military operations. This leaves a further hole in capabilities and experience."
The timing of these purges coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions. Relations between Beijing and Washington have deteriorated amid a reciprocal tariff war, while China's accelerated military modernization has raised concerns about potential action against self-governed Taiwan. The internal instability within the PLA's command structure could have far-reaching implications for regional security and China's strategic decision-making capabilities.
The institutional impact on the PLA is substantial. Zhang brought decades of combat experience and institutional knowledge to his role, having joined the military in 1968 and the Communist Party the following year. His expertise in ground operations and his Politburo membership gave him unique influence over both military and civilian decision-making circles. Liu's expertise in joint operations was equally vital as China seeks to project power beyond its borders and coordinate complex multi-domain operations.
No successors have been announced for either position, leaving critical leadership vacancies at a time when the PLA is undergoing its most ambitious restructuring in generations. This leadership vacuum may temporarily slow decision-making processes or create uncertainty within the ranks, though it also provides Xi with an opportunity to install officials whose loyalty is beyond question.
The purge reflects a broader pattern within Xi's governance philosophy, which prioritizes political reliability over technical expertise or institutional continuity. While anti-corruption efforts enjoy public support, the opaque nature of the investigations and the suddenness of the removals can create anxiety within the military establishment. Officers may become more risk-averse, focusing on political survival rather than operational innovation.
International observers are closely monitoring how these internal changes affect China's external posture. A PLA consumed with internal investigations and leadership transitions may be less likely to engage in provocative actions abroad. Conversely, new leaders eager to prove their loyalty might advocate for more assertive policies to demonstrate their commitment to Xi's vision of national rejuvenation.
The scale of the purge—200,000 officials over thirteen years—suggests systemic issues within the PLA that extend beyond individual misconduct. It points to deeply entrenched patronage networks, procurement fraud, and the misuse of military resources that have developed during China's rapid military expansion. Xi appears determined to root out these practices, even at the cost of losing experienced commanders.
As the CMC continues to shrink, questions arise about its long-term effectiveness. A smaller commission may allow for more streamlined decision-making, but it also concentrates risk. The loss of diverse perspectives and specialized expertise could create blind spots in strategic planning, particularly regarding Taiwan scenarios or potential conflicts in the South China Sea.
The absence of transparency surrounding these investigations remains a defining feature of China's political system. Unlike democratic systems where public hearings and detailed charges provide clarity, the Chinese approach relies on internal party discipline mechanisms. This opacity serves political purposes but makes it difficult for analysts to assess the true scope of corruption or the specific threats these officials may have posed to Xi's authority.
For now, the PLA must adapt to yet another leadership shakeup. The institution has proven resilient through previous purges, but the removal of someone as senior and personally connected as Zhang Youxia sends an unmistakable message: no one is immune from scrutiny. As Xi Jinping continues to reshape China's military in his image, the world watches to see how these changes will affect the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.