China’s top general, Zhang Youxi, has been removed from his post and is under investigation for alleged misconduct, marking the latest move in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of senior military leaders.
The 75-year-old vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), who ranked second only to Xi in military authority, was dismissed Saturday during a closed-door briefing with senior military officials. A spokesman for China’s Defense Ministry said Gen. Zhang is accused of serious violations of party discipline and state laws.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Zhang leaked nuclear secrets to the United States and accepted bribes to promote allies. Sources told the news outlet that Zhang is also under investigation for allegedly forming factions and abusing his authority.
In addition to Zhang, Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the commission’s Joint Staff Department, has been removed and is under investigation for alleged misconduct.
Aside from Zhang, Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the commission’s Joint Staff Department, has also been removed and is under investigation for alleged misconduct, according to reports. The reason for his dismissal has not been disclosed.
Since taking office, Xi has initiated multiple anti-corruption campaigns across different government departments, including the military. He has described corruption as “the biggest threat” to the Communist Party and warned that the battle against it “remains grave and complex.”
The recent ouster follows a series of military shakeups, including the dismissal of nine top generals in October, among them former vice chairman He Weidong.
The move left the CMC, which controls the country’s armed forces, with just two members: Xi, its chairman, and Zhang Shengmin, who oversees the military’s disciplinary affairs.
