China’s military leadership is facing significant upheaval after Xi Jinping’s top general and close aide, Zhang Youxia, has been placed under investigation for “suspected serious violations of discipline and law,” including allegations of leaking nuclear secrets to the U.S. and accepting bribes. Zhang, a key figure in the Central Military Commission (CMC) and an experienced combat officer, is seen as a crucial ally of Xi, having been retained beyond the typical retirement age due to his strong relationship with the president.
The Ministry of Defense announced the inquiries into both Zhang and Liu Zhenli, head of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, asserting they have “grossly betrayed” the trust of the Communist Party. Their investigations are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign launched by Xi in 2012, which has now reached the higher ranks of the Chinese military, raising concerns about stability within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at a critical geopolitical moment.
Analysts note that the removal of such a high-ranking official like Zhang can have broader implications for the PLA’s leadership stability, especially regarding China’s assertive military posture towards Taiwan and the South China Sea. Despite these challenges, military experts believe that the PLA will maintain its operational momentum towards modernization goals set by Xi. As the crackdown on corruption extends, it has impacted military procurement and the profitability of defense companies, contributing to ongoing shifts within the military hierarchy.
Born in Beijing and having joined the army in 1968, Zhang’s military career included combat in the Vietnam War, establishing him as a significant figure in China’s military evolution. His recent expulsion raises serious questions about Xi’s prior appointments and the overall integrity of military leadership.
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