Accusations Against China’s Military Chief
China’s military chief is under fire for allegedly disclosing nuclear weapons secrets to the United States, marking a significant development amid an ongoing military purge in Beijing.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, General Zhang Youxia is accused of sharing critical technical information related to China’s nuclear arsenal with US intelligence. This claim comes from an individual who apparently attended a confidential meeting with senior military officials. During this meeting, it emerged that Zhang reportedly accepted a substantial bribe in exchange for a military promotion. Investigators suggest he facilitated the ascent of Lee Sang-bok to the role of defense minister in return for cash.
At 75, Zhang was serving as the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), ranking just after President Xi Jinping in military hierarchy. Both Zhang and Xi come from “princeling” backgrounds, being offspring of revolutionary leaders who fought together during China’s civil war. Within the military, Zhang is known as one of Xi’s closest allies.
Evidence connecting Zhang to alleged nuclear violations has been sourced from an inquiry led by Gu Jun, a former head of the China National Nuclear Corporation. Authorities initiated an investigation into Mr. Tani on January 20 due to suspicions about breaches of party discipline.
The CMC has seen significant upheaval since then, with all uniformed commanders appointed in 2022 being dismissed. Only Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the head of the military’s anti-corruption office, remain on the committee, according to Reuters.
Since the summer of 2023, over 50 high-ranking military officials and defense industry leaders have been subjected to investigations or have been removed from their positions. Analysts are describing this as the largest military purge in China since the era of Mao.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, conveyed to the Journal that this investigation underscores the leadership’s strict stance against corruption.
This crackdown follows the release of a new national defense strategy by the Trump administration, which classifies China as a military power that requires deterrent measures.
