China has initiated investigations into General Zhang Youxia, the senior Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, and General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and head of the Joint Staff Department, for suspected serious discipline and law violations. The probe, as reported by The Japan Times, follows allegations of corruption against the two high-ranking officers. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily criticized Zhang and Liu, accusing them of undermining President Xi Jinping’s authority and creating political and corruption issues within the military.
The editorial further highlighted that the alleged misconduct by Zhang and Liu had a detrimental impact on the image and authority of the CMC leadership. This development has led to a reduction in the CMC’s membership, leaving only President Xi and General Zhang Shengmin on the commission. Zhang Shengmin, who oversees anti-corruption efforts within the military, assumed his role following the removal of another official in October last year.
President Xi has been actively targeting corruption within China’s military since taking office in 2012. Last year, he emphasized the severity of corruption as a significant threat to the Communist Party’s governance. The recent investigations are part of a broader campaign to root out corruption and maintain discipline within the armed forces. Notably, several other military officials have faced similar probes and disciplinary actions in recent years, underscoring the government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the military ranks.
