China’s highest-ranking general faces investigation by authorities

China’s defence ministry has announced an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, the country’s highest-ranking military officer, citing violations of discipline and law. The statement provided no specific details about the accusations. In Chinese political terminology, such charges typically point to corruption allegations. Additionally, General Liu Zhenli, another senior military officer, is also under investigation.

These investigations represent the latest development in an ongoing military purge that accelerated in October when nine top generals were expelled in one of the largest public crackdowns on the military in decades. The pattern suggests intensifying scrutiny within China’s armed forces leadership.

Zhang, aged 75, holds the position of vice-chairman in the Central Military Commission, the body led by President Xi Jinping that oversees China’s armed forces. He also serves on the Politburo, the Communist Party’s top decision-making body with 24 members. His father was among the founding generals of the Chinese Communist Party, and Zhang himself enlisted in 1968, making him one of few senior military leaders with battlefield experience. Notably, he was retained past the standard military retirement age, signalling Xi’s trust in him until this announcement.

Speculation about investigations into Zhang and Liu emerged days before the official announcement, with observers noting their absence from a significant party gathering in December. Their probe follows President Xi’s administration-wide anti-corruption campaign that has particularly targeted the military sector in recent months.

Since assuming leadership, President Xi has framed corruption as “the biggest threat” to the Communist Party. His administration has pursued sustained anti-corruption efforts across government institutions. While supporters contend these measures strengthen governance, critics argue the campaigns serve as mechanisms for eliminating political opponents. The investigations into Zhang and Liu have reduced the Central Military Commission’s membership from seven to two active members, leaving only Xi as chairman and Zhang Shengmin, who oversees military discipline.