A sweeping administrative overhaul has reshaped the highest echelons of China's military leadership. Official reports indicate that two senior commanders, identified as Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, have been removed from the Central Military Commission led by President Xi Jinping. Investigations were reportedly launched against both individuals over suspected severe violations of regulations and laws. Following their removal, the seven-member military panel now retains only two active members, including the president himself. Observers view this move as part of an ongoing anti-corruption drive within the nation's defense apparatus. Meanwhile, the country's top political advisory body revoked the membership of Zhao Chongqi, who previously headed the Western Theater Command and held that responsibility during the 2020 border confrontation between India and China.
Impact on the second most powerful post
Among those removed, Zhang Youxia held an immensely influential position within the military hierarchy. He served as the vice chairman of the commission and held a seat in the powerful politburo, effectively making him the second most powerful figure in the military structure after the president. The second official, Liu Zhenli, was a member of the commission and headed its joint staff department. These actions unfolded while internal investigations concerning discipline and financial irregularities within the defense ranks continued to expand.
Depleted active membership in the top panel
With the departure of these two high-ranking figures, the Central Military Commission is left with only two active members, which includes the president. Analysts note that the commission operates through parallel structures at both the party and state levels, functioning as a unified military institution. The recent directives have addressed the state-level positions of the departed officials, though public announcements regarding their formal removal from the ruling party's equivalent body have not yet been issued.
Names expunged from legislative rosters
The administrative purge extended further into the legislature. An updated roster released by the National People's Congress removed the names of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli alongside approximately ten other lawmakers. This group includes Lieutenant General Zhong Shaojun, who formerly directed the commission's general office, and General Xu Qiansheng, the former head of the strategic support force. The revised list also omitted Gao Shiwen, a former mayor of Nanchang who previously worked with a major state-owned aerospace and defense corporation.
