China has removed two senior generals—Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli—while authorities investigate alleged "serious violations of discipline and law."
The dismissals, the fourth and fifth since Nov. 28, 2024, remove two of the CMC's most senior officers. Analysts say the moves reflect Xi Jinping's effort to consolidate control and promote younger commanders.
Jan. 24 (UPI) — Gen. Zhang Youxia has been dismissed from his role as one of President Xi Jinping's top military commanders, and Gen. Liu Zhenli has also been removed as authorities investigate alleged legal and disciplinary violations.
Gen. Zhang Youxia served as vice chairman of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Military Commission (CMC) and was a member of the Politburo, placing him directly under Xi as one of China's highest-ranking military figures. Gen. Liu Zhenli served as chief of staff for the Joint Staff of the CMC and was likewise a member of the commission.
"This move is unprecedented in the history of the Chinese military and represents a total annihilation of the high command," former CIA analyst Christopher Johnson told The New York Times. Johnson is president of the China Strategies Group.
Analysts quoted by international outlets say the dismissals signal a broader purge of senior officers that appears aimed at reducing Xi's reliance on longtime commanders and promoting younger generals. Zhang and Liu were reported to have close ties to Xi—Zhang has been described in some reports as a childhood acquaintance—yet the campaign to remove senior military leaders has been framed publicly as an anti-corruption and loyalty effort.
Chinese officials announced Zhang and Liu were removed while investigations proceed into suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," according to a translated official release. Their dismissals are the fourth and fifth senior military removals since Nov. 28, 2024.
Following these actions, only Gen. Zhang Shengmin and President Xi remain as the primary controlling members of the body that oversees China's military, according to reporting. Xi appointed the commission's members in 2022 and has since removed all but Zhang Shengmin; Shengmin has presided over subsequent removals.
Neither Zhang Youxia nor Liu Zhenli has been formally convicted of wrongdoing. Historically, however, senior officers publicly accused in such purges are frequently later found guilty in official proceedings.
The removals underscore a continuing consolidation of military authority under Xi and suggest a sustained effort to reshape the leadership of the People's Liberation Army. Observers say the purge could accelerate personnel turnover at the highest levels and reshape the CMC's internal balance of power.
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