China's defense ministry has opened an investigation into the country's highest-ranking general over what they deem as 'grave violations of discipline and the law.' General Zhang Youxia, perceived as a close ally of President Xi Jinping, is at the center of this controversy, though specifics regarding the allegations remain undisclosed. In a pattern consistent with anti-corruption efforts in China, such allegations often correlate with corruption.
The ministry’s announcement also included that another senior military officer, General Liu Zhenli, is under investigation. This latest inquiry coincides with a broader military crackdown, including the expulsion of nine top generals in October—a significant public action against corruption within the armed forces.
At 75, Zhang Youxia serves as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the body responsible for military leadership under President Xi. His long tenure, even beyond typical retirement ages for military leaders, previously indicated Xi's trust in him. However, recent rumors surrounding potential investigations gained traction after Zhang and Liu noticeably absented themselves from a high-level party function in December.
The ongoing military anti-corruption campaign reflects President Xi's characterization of corruption as the 'biggest threat' to the Communist Party, asserting that it is a 'grave and complex' challenge. While some observers argue these initiatives foster better governance, critics suggest they also serve to eliminate political adversaries, effectively consolidating Xi’s power within the party.
Following the investigations into Zhang and Liu, the CMC is now reduced to just two members: Xi himself and Zhang Shengmin, the member overseeing military discipline.
The ministry’s announcement also included that another senior military officer, General Liu Zhenli, is under investigation. This latest inquiry coincides with a broader military crackdown, including the expulsion of nine top generals in October—a significant public action against corruption within the armed forces.
At 75, Zhang Youxia serves as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the body responsible for military leadership under President Xi. His long tenure, even beyond typical retirement ages for military leaders, previously indicated Xi's trust in him. However, recent rumors surrounding potential investigations gained traction after Zhang and Liu noticeably absented themselves from a high-level party function in December.
The ongoing military anti-corruption campaign reflects President Xi's characterization of corruption as the 'biggest threat' to the Communist Party, asserting that it is a 'grave and complex' challenge. While some observers argue these initiatives foster better governance, critics suggest they also serve to eliminate political adversaries, effectively consolidating Xi’s power within the party.
Following the investigations into Zhang and Liu, the CMC is now reduced to just two members: Xi himself and Zhang Shengmin, the member overseeing military discipline.
