Reports from Chinese state media indicate that three lawmakers with ties to the defense sector have been removed from their positions. The reasons behind their dismissal remain unclear. However, analysts speculate that it may be linked to the unexpected ousting of China’s high-ranking general, Zhang Youxia.
Zhang resigned from his role as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission in late January. He cited “serious violations of party discipline and state law,” which often suggests a crackdown on corruption and autocratic behavior.
Zhang, who has been a close ally of dictator Xi Jinping, appeared to hold a strong position before his removal.
The three lawmakers dismissed included Zhou Xinmin, who previously led a state enterprise responsible for most of China’s military aircraft, nuclear weapons researcher Liu Cangqi, and nuclear engineer Luo Qi, who served as chief engineer at the China Atomic Energy Corporation.
Their firings occurred more suddenly than Zhang’s; Zhou’s company held an anti-corruption meeting just a day before his dismissal was revealed. The previous year, another official from Zhou’s company was expelled from the Communist Party over corruption charges, leading to theories that Zhang might also be involved in similar misconduct.
There are three prominent theories surrounding the fallout involving Zhang and the defense officials. The first suggests that, despite extensive anti-corruption campaigns, Xi faced significant corruption challenges, and Zhang’s was particularly notable.
The second theory proposes that Xi is reorganizing the People’s Liberation Army to prepare it for a potential invasion of Taiwan, prioritizing a more streamlined command structure in the future.
The third, more contentious theory posits that Zhang may have been involved in a coup attempt, leading Xi to act preemptively against him and his associates. In this scenario, the dismissed lawmakers could be viewed as co-conspirators.
Zhang’s expulsion marks a significant shift—unprecedented, in fact—reflecting a major move by Xi Jinping. This could have far-reaching repercussions for the morale within the PLA and may disrupt its operational framework for years ahead. Zhang was one of the few senior officers with combat experience, which Xi greatly valued, and had managed to stay in his position even beyond the usual retirement age.
