The removal of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli leaves China’s military leadership concentrated under Xi Jinping as investigations revive scrutiny of corruption and discipline within the PLA.
World
M
Moneycontrol31-01-2026, 12:35

Xi's Trusted Generals Probed: What's Shaking China's Military Leadership?

  • Two of China's most senior military leaders, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, have been removed and are under investigation for "serious disciplinary violations."
  • Zhang Youxia was the PLA's most senior general and highest-ranking military member of the Politburo; Liu Zhenli led the Central Military Commission's Joint Staff Department.
  • The removals, a rare move, concentrate military leadership under Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin, following other recent dismissals.
  • Analysts note China's opaque system makes interpretation difficult, but the speed of the move is significant given both generals were seen as loyal to Xi.
  • The shake-up signals a renewed push for discipline within the armed forces, potentially impacting command cohesion and near-term military action against Taiwan.

Why It Matters: China's military leadership undergoes a significant shake-up as two top generals face probe for disciplinary violations.

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