China Investigates Top Military Leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli

China's defense ministry announced on Saturday that it has opened investigations into two senior military figures: Zhang Youxia, the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, a member of the same body. The probes center on what officials call 'serious violations of discipline,' a phrase often used to point to corruption. This news comes as President Xi Jinping continues a years-long push to root out graft in the armed forces, leaving few top leaders untouched.

Background

The Central Military Commission, or CMC, sits at the heart of China's military power. Xi Jinping chairs it, giving him direct control over the People's Liberation Army, or PLA. Zhang Youxia, now 75, has served as vice-chairman for years. He is a career army officer and veteran of past wars. His role covers day-to-day operations, training, and buying weapons for the PLA. People close to the matter say his family ties to Xi go back generations—their fathers fought together in the revolution.

Liu Zhenli, 61, holds a key spot on the CMC as head of the Joint Staff Department. He manages joint operations, training, and how ready the troops are for battle. Both men had outlasted earlier rounds of investigations that swept through the military.

Xi started a big anti-corruption drive in 2012, soon after he took power. The military became a main focus. Early efforts hit lower ranks, but by 2023, they reached the top. The Rocket Force, which handles missiles, faced heavy scrutiny. In October 2025, eight top generals lost their party membership over graft charges. That group included He Weidong, once seen as China's number two general. He had worked under Xi and sat on the CMC with Zhang.

He and Miao Hua, former head of the CMC's political work department, got kicked out of both the military and the Communist Party. Zhang Shengmin, 67, a political officer from the Rocket Force, took over some duties. He has led the CMC's discipline inspection commission since 2017, enforcing Xi's clean-up rules. Other fallen leaders were He Hongjun, Wang Xiubin, Lin Xiangyang, Qin Shutong, Yuan Huazhi, and Wang Chunning. They came from key areas like the Eastern Theater Command, the Rocket Force, and the People's Armed Police.

Two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, also faced expulsion from the party in June 2024. Li's case linked to shady deals on military gear.

Key Details

The defense ministry released a short statement on January 24. It said a review led to the decision to probe Zhang and Liu. No further details came out right away about what violations they face. But past cases show these probes often end in removal from power.

Zhang's long service made him stand out. He joined the CMC years ago and stayed through waves of purges. Liu, younger but still senior, oversaw combat preparations. Their roles put them near the top of the chain that Xi commands.

Timeline of Recent Purges

• 2012: Xi launches broad anti-corruption campaign, targeting military early on.
• 2023: Rocket Force comes under fire; high-level probes begin.
• June 2024: Defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe expelled.
• October 2025: Eight generals, including He Weidong and Miao Hua, booted from party.
• January 2026: Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli now under investigation.

This leaves the CMC with mostly new faces. Xi remains chairman. Loyal figures like Zhang Shengmin hold key spots.

"Following a review by relevant departments, it has been decided to initiate an investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli," the defense ministry said in its statement.

Reports suggest the purge has cleared out almost everyone who served on the CMC before recent changes. Only Xi and a few trusted aides remain from the old guard.

What This Means

These probes signal that Xi's grip on the military stays firm. No one, not even close allies like Zhang, escapes the anti-corruption net. The moves aim to ensure loyalty and cut risks of graft weakening the PLA. China faces tensions with the US and neighbors over Taiwan and the South China Sea. A clean military could help Xi push his goals there.

The Rocket Force purges raised questions about missile readiness. Equipment deals under past leaders involved corruption, which might have hurt stockpiles. New leaders must rebuild trust and fix any damage.

For the Communist Party, this shows Xi's drive for control goes on. The military answers to the party, and clean ranks help keep that link strong. Outside China, observers watch to see if these changes shift how the PLA acts. Promotions could fill the gaps soon, with Xi picking those he trusts most.

The full impact may take time to show. Past purges slowed some operations as leaders got shuffled. But Xi has named enforcers like Zhang Shengmin to keep the process moving. The PLA keeps training and modernizing amid these shifts. Daily readiness efforts go on, even as top jobs change hands.

Zhang's fall stands out because of his history with Xi. It underlines that family ties offer no shield. Liu's role in operations means his probe could touch training and battle plans. Details will likely stay secret until formal charges come.

China's military budget grows each year. Funds go to ships, planes, and missiles. Corruption probes aim to make sure that money reaches the front lines. Xi has called graft a threat to the army's fighting power. These latest steps back that up.

The world keeps an eye on China's forces. With purges at the top, questions linger about short-term stability. Long-term, it could make the PLA stronger and more loyal to Beijing's orders.