The investigation of 75‑year‑old CMC vice‑chair Zhang Youxia — accused of "serious violations" in an opaque corruption probe — has shocked observers and highlights Xi Jinping's growing control over China's military. Analysts say the purge may harm short‑term command cohesion and remove experienced planners for operations such as an assault on Taiwan, even as the PLA's overall readiness appears largely intact. The shake‑up is likely to produce loyal replacements and further centralise military decision‑making.
Bombshell for Beijing: Investigation of CMC Vice‑Chair Zhang Youxia Tightens Xi's Grip on the PLA
The fall of high-profile General Zhang Youxia, who was seen as close to Xi Jinping, shows the extent of the Chinese leader's military anti-graft campaign and further consolidates his power (Pedro PARDO)(Pedro PARDO/AFP/AFP)
China's surprise announcement that Zhang Youxia, a 75-year-old vice‑chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) long seen as close to Xi Jinping, is under investigation for "serious violations of discipline and the law" has reverberated through defence and policy circles. The move underscores the scope of Xi's anti‑corruption drive within the military and further concentrates authority at the top.
What Are the Allegations?
The defence ministry said Zhang and another CMC general, Liu Zhenli, are "suspected of serious violations of discipline and the law," the standard Chinese euphemism indicating a corruption probe. A PLA Daily editorial accused the two of having "seriously trampled on and undermined the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the CMC chairman," a clear reference to Xi Jinping. Authorities have not released detailed charges or the men's current whereabouts.
The Wall Street Journal, citing participants in a senior briefing, reported an unverified allegation that Zhang leaked information on China's nuclear programme to the United States; AFP has not independently confirmed this claim.
How Significant Is His Fall?
Analysts described the announcement as a "bombshell." Independent Beijing‑based analyst Hua Po said it will have a "far‑reaching and profound impact," while Steve Tsang of the SOAS China Institute warned that Zhang's removal signals that "no other general in the PLA can feel safe now." Past cases — including the sidelining of former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu and the earlier removal of generals He Weidong and Miao Hua — suggest investigations often precede removals from high office.
If Zhang and Liu are formally removed, the CMC — meant to include seven members — could be left publicly represented by only two figures: Xi and anti‑corruption chief Zhang Shengmin. Niklas Swanstrom of the ISDP called such a configuration "maximal personal control over China's armed forces — theoretically." Observers expect replacements likely to be loyalists who will avoid challenging Xi.
What It Means for the Military
Scholars offer mixed assessments. James Char of Nanyang Technological University says the PLA's operational readiness "does not appear to have been retarded significantly" and that routine military duties can continue. But analysts warn of immediate harm to command cohesion and to institutional expertise, especially where multi‑service coordination is important.
"From this point on, the military will heed only Xi — where he points, they will strike," said Hua Po.
Some see potential long‑term benefits if corruption is genuinely reduced; others caution that tighter centralisation may narrow the range of candid military advice offered to leadership, possibly curbing debate over strategy and operational planning.
Will It Affect China's Taiwan Strategy?
The PLA has stepped up exercises around Taiwan in recent years, and Beijing continues to assert its claim over the self‑ruled island. Most experts say a full‑scale invasion remains unlikely in the near term: the purge has removed experienced planners and commanders who understood complex joint amphibious operations, increasing operational risk.
Analysts note practical constraints remain, including a limited number of amphibious combined‑arms brigades. A failed attempt to seize Taiwan would be a major political catastrophe for Xi, making consolidation of domestic control a more likely immediate priority than launching an uncertain military campaign.
Bottom Line
The probe into Zhang Youxia is both a sign of Xi's tightening control over the military and a development that may weaken short‑term cohesion and operational expertise. While the PLA appears capable of maintaining readiness, the shake‑up is likely to produce leadership loyal to Xi and could change how military advice and planning are produced and acted on.
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