China has placed its highest-ranking military officer under investigation for suspected violations of discipline and law, marking an extraordinary moment in the country's recent political history. General Zhang Youxia, who serves as vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission and sits on the Communist Party's powerful Politburo, is now the subject of a formal investigation announced by China's Ministry of National Defence on Saturday. The investigation also ensnares General Liu Zhenli, the People's Liberation Army's chief of joint staff, a position critical to the military's combat readiness.
The move represents the deepest reach of President Xi Jinping's ongoing purge of military leaders, touching the very top of the armed forces hierarchy. In China's political system, a public investigation announcement almost always signals the end of an official's career.
Background
China's military leadership has undergone dramatic changes over the past two and a half years. The purges began in October 2023 when Defence Minister Li Shangfu was removed for corruption after serving just eight months—the shortest tenure of any defence minister on record. In October 2025, another vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, He Weidong, was removed, along with Miao Hua, another commission member.
The Central Military Commission, which oversees all of China's military operations, has been steadily dismantled during this period. The commission began its current term in 2021 with seven members. With the investigations into Zhang and Liu, the body is now left with only two active members: Xi Jinping himself, who serves as chairman in a civilian capacity as commander-in-chief, and General Zhang Shengmin, who handles discipline and investigations into fallen officers.
Beyond the commission's leadership, the purges have extended throughout the military ranks. Senior officers from China's army, navy, air force, strategic-missile forces, paramilitary police, and those overseeing regional forces have all been removed.
Key Details
General Zhang Youxia holds one of the most senior positions in China's military structure. At 75 years old, he ranks as the first vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, making him the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the entire Chinese military. His position as number two in the commission, directly below Xi Jinping, made him arguably the most powerful military figure in the country after the president.
Zhang's personal connection to Xi Jinping made his investigation particularly striking to observers. The two men have deep roots in Shaanxi province in northwestern China, where their fathers fought together during the Chinese Communist Revolution. This shared provincial background and family history led many analysts to view Zhang as one of Xi's most trusted advisers.
"How do you convince Xi that his childhood bestie is a threat to him? Who would dare to do it? What would be their incentives?" – Victor Shih, University of California, San Diego
General Liu Zhenli's role as chief of the joint staff makes his removal equally significant. The joint staff position is central to coordinating military operations and maintaining the armed forces' combat readiness. With both men now under investigation, the commission lacks any member whose direct responsibility involves war-fighting or who brings operational combat experience to the table.
The Scope of Military Change
Analysts note that the removal of Zhang and Liu completes a remarkable transformation of China's top military leadership. The Fujian Clique, a faction within the military that had previously held power, has been entirely removed through these purges. Zhang Youxia is now identified as the most senior remaining figure in the Shaanxi Gang, another military faction connected to Xi.
The ministry did not specify what violations Zhang and Liu are suspected of committing. This lack of detail is typical in Chinese political investigations, where specific allegations often remain undisclosed.
What This Means
Military analysts are divided on the long-term implications of removing so many senior commanders from active duty. Some observers worry about the immediate impact on the armed forces. A foreign military expert who has worked with the People's Liberation Army noted that with so many senior commanders out of action, the military's combat readiness will likely suffer in the short term.
However, others argue the purges may not cripple the military long-term. The PLA has a deep bench of officers who can be promoted to fill vacant positions. These replacements will need years to gain the experience and exposure that comes with serving in top positions, but the military has the personnel to make transitions.
Political analysts suggest the purges serve Xi's consolidation of power over the military. By removing officers who might challenge his authority—even longtime allies—Xi ensures that the armed forces remain under his direct control. Some experts point to the timing, noting that the party's next major congress is scheduled for 2027, a moment when Xi may want to ensure complete loyalty within the military.
Associate Professor Alfred Wu of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy suggests the purges likely reflect two simultaneous efforts: continuing the military's long-running campaign against corruption, which has plagued the armed forces for decades, and Xi's broader effort to consolidate power ahead of the party congress.
The investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli represents a stunning consolidation of military authority in Xi's hands. By removing even his closest allies from positions of power, Xi has effectively dismantled what remained of collective leadership within the People's Liberation Army. The full consequences of this transformation—for China's military capability, for regional stability, and for the balance of power within the Communist Party—remain to be seen.
