China announced that Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), Zhang Youxia, is under investigation for “serious violations of the law,” a phrase commonly used for corruption, sending shockwaves through defence circles and leaving the CMC largely hollowed out.
Why the probe matters
Zhang, a 75‑year‑old general who has long been seen as close to President Xi Jinping, was a fixture beside the president at promotion ceremonies as recently as December. He survived several anti‑graft sweeps since the CMC’s seven‑person roster was set at the 2022 Party Congress, making his removal both unexpected and significant.
Alongside Zhang, CMC member Liu Zhenli is also under investigation. The only remaining senior figures on the commission are President Xi and discipline chief Zhang Shengmin, dramatically shrinking the body that commands millions of troops.
Military pedigree
Born in 1950, Zhang is the son of Zhang Zongxun, a “founding general” of the People’s Republic of China who fought alongside Xi’s father in the northwest. Both men are “princelings,” children of revolutionary veterans who have benefitted from family connections.
Zhang entered the People’s Liberation Army at 18, rising through a Yunnan regiment that borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. He saw combat in the week‑long 1979 Sino‑Vietnamese War, the last major armed conflict involving PLA troops, which mobilised roughly 200,000 soldiers.
Career highlights
After the war, Zhang became commander of the Shenyang Military Region, was promoted to general in 2011, and oversaw arms‑procurement and equipment development. He joined the CMC in 2012 when Xi became its head, entered the Politburo in 2017, and assumed the senior vice‑chair role in 2022.
Links to Xi Jinping
Analysts note that Zhang may have shared childhood circles with Xi in Beijing, though the two did not work together until later. Xi’s oversight of Zhang’s rise suggests he was once viewed as a trusted colleague.
Downfall and implications
Rumours of an investigation surfaced days before the formal announcement, after Zhang and Liu missed a meeting chaired by Xi and attended by second‑ranked vice‑chair Zhang Shengmin. Some observers tie the purge to earlier removal of former defence minister Li Shangfu, who also oversaw military equipment.
The defence ministry gave no specific reason for the probes. The PLA Daily labeled the two officials “corrupt elements” and claimed the “resolute investigation and punishment” would “remove roadblocks” and “squeeze out the water diluting combat effectiveness.” An earlier editorial warned that their actions “seriously undermined and violated the system of responsibility of the CMC chairman,” Xi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zhang Youxia?
Zhang Youxia is a 75‑year‑old vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, a veteran of the 1979 Sino‑Vietnamese War, former commander of the Shenyang Military Region, and a longtime member of the Politburo.
What does “serious violations of discipline and law” imply?
The phrase is a standard euphemism in China for corruption, indicating that the officials are suspected of illegal conduct and are likely to be removed from their positions.
What is the current composition of the Central Military Commission?
After the investigations, the only known members remaining on the CMC are President Xi Jinping and discipline chief Zhang Shengmin.
How might these developments shape the future of China’s military leadership?
