General Zhang Youxia, the top vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), was unexpectedly removed from his position over the weekend and is now under investigation for “serious violations of party discipline and state law.” This news has sent shockwaves through the Chinese Communist Party, as Zhang was not only a senior Politburo member but also a close ally of Xi Jinping.
Another high-ranking CMC member, General Liu Zhenli, faced a similar fate. Consequently, Xi has become the sole supreme commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). General Zhang Shengmin, who was in charge of discipline and reported directly under Zhang, had just gained a seat on the CMC this October alongside Vice Chairman He Weidong and eight other generals who assumed office.
Zhang and Liu were among the few senior military officials with actual combat experience, largely stemming from the Sino-Vietnamese border conflict. This level of expertise won’t be easily replaced, which could lead to some issues regarding troop morale in the PLA.
The Ministry of Defense has not elaborated on the specific allegations connected to Zhang’s dismissal, but reports suggest he is accused of “leaking information about the nation’s nuclear weapons program to the U.S. and accepting bribes.” These claims came to light amid the investigation of Gu Jun, a former general manager of the China Atomic Energy Corporation, who was allegedly involved in nuclear security violations linked to Zhang.
Additionally, Zhang faces allegations of “forming a political faction” that could potentially undermine Xi’s authority, as well as accepting bribes to influence military procurement decisions.
According to Jonathan Zinn, a former CIA analyst, Zhang’s sudden removal signals that “no one in the leadership is really safe now,” presenting a dramatic shift in the political landscape. While Xi has routinely engaged in political purges within the PLA, often framed as anti-corruption efforts, it is unusual for individuals so closely associated with him to be targeted. Notably, Xi had even persuaded the now 75-year-old Zhang to extend his tenure on the CMC by postponing his retirement to 2022.
Some experts view Zhang’s significant position and personal ties to Xi as indicators that his actions must have been severe. Xi has consistently expressed concern over corruption in the military, especially in procurement contracts. Approximately 15 years ago, he appointed trusted allies to critical military roles to combat this issue, yet many of them have been perceived as becoming entangled in the very system they aimed to reform.
Opinions diverge on what Zhang’s surprising ouster means for China’s military strategy. Some analysts argue that Xi is determined to eradicate corruption to ensure a loyal and competent PLA is ready to follow his directives, particularly in relation to Taiwan. Others, however, contend that the removal of both Zhang and Liu could leave the PLA ill-prepared for any significant military operations for some time.
