China's ruling apparatus has expelled two of its most prominent military commanders from both the governing party and the armed services. The sweeping disciplinary action targets figures long regarded as central allies of President Xi Jinping within the highest echelons of defense leadership.
Disciplinary Measures Against Top Command
The punitive actions were taken against Zhang Youxia, the former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Liu Zhenli, the former chief of the joint staff department. Both officials face extensive charges, including severe financial corruption, political disloyalty, factionalism, and major disciplinary violations. Zhang Youxia previously held one of the most powerful positions in the armed forces, serving in the second highest leadership tier of the supreme military command.
Timeline of the Investigation and Removal
Liu Zhenli also exercised immense authority over troop operations as a key member of the CMC and director of the joint staff department. Formal investigations into the conduct of both senior generals were announced in January. They were subsequently stripped of their positions within the Central Military Commission in late August, culminating on Monday with the total revocation of their Communist Party standing and military status.
Broader Reshuffle Across the Armed Forces
The dismissals fit into a wider pattern across the defense establishment, where more than one hundred generals and senior officers have been removed or disciplined over the past four years. The political leadership has enforced strict loyalty and internal oversight, targeting both mid-level officers and the most decorated commanders across the armed forces to ensure absolute adherence to centralized command.
