Back
Politics

Senior Chinese Military Generals Under Investigation for Discipline Violations

Generated on: Last updated: 9 sources
View source

China Investigates Top Military Generals Amid Sweeping Anti-Corruption Drive

General Zhang Youxia, China's second-highest military general, and General Liu Zhenli, a senior officer, are under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," as confirmed by the Defense Ministry. These probes are part of an extensive anti-corruption campaign targeting military officials, which has significantly reduced the membership of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China's highest military body.

Senior Generals Under Investigation

General Zhang Youxia, 75, a senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and directly beneath President Xi Jinping in the military command structure, has been placed under investigation. Also implicated is General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member and chief of staff of its Joint Staff Department. The Chinese defense ministry stated that both individuals are suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law," a phrase commonly associated with corruption in China.

An editorial in the Liberation Army Daily underscored the severity of the allegations:

"Zhang and Liu seriously betrayed the trust and expectations of the Communist Party and the CMC, and fostered political and corruption problems that undermined the party’s absolute leadership over the military and threatened the party’s ruling foundation."

Profiles of Key Figures

General Zhang Youxia is also a member of the 24-person Politburo, the Communist Party's top decision-making body. He joined the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1968 and is one of the few senior leaders with combat experience, having participated in border conflicts with Vietnam in 1979 and 1984. Notably, Zhang had been retained in office beyond the customary retirement age for China's military and was reinstated for a third term on the CMC in 2022. His father was a founding general of the Chinese Communist Party. General Liu Zhenli previously commanded the PLA's Ground Force.

Nature of Allegations and Speculation

While official statements refer to "serious violations of discipline and law," the Defense Ministry has not provided specific details regarding the alleged wrongdoing.

  • The Wall Street Journal reported allegations, citing individuals familiar with a high-level briefing, that Zhang was accused of leaking information about China’s nuclear weapons program to the United States and accepting bribes for official acts, including the promotion of an officer to defense minister.
  • Unconfirmed rumors circulating include allegations of coup plotting and factional infighting.
  • Some analysts suggest the dismissals could be linked to accountability for corruption in military procurement under their supervision.

Xi Jinping's Broad Anti-Corruption Campaign

These investigations are set against the backdrop of a broader anti-corruption campaign initiated by President Xi Jinping when he assumed power in 2012. This campaign has led to disciplinary actions against over 200,000 officials across various sectors.

The military has been a significant focus:

  • Since 2012, at least 17 PLA generals have been removed from their positions.
  • In October, nine top generals were expelled.
  • In 2023, the elite Rocket Force, which oversees nuclear and conventional missiles, was targeted.
  • Two former defense ministers were expelled in recent years due to corruption charges.
  • Over the past three years, dozens of senior military officials have been dismissed or investigated.

Unprecedented Impact on the Central Military Commission

Following these removals, the Central Military Commission (CMC), typically composed of approximately seven members, has been drastically reduced to just two individuals. These are President Xi Jinping, who chairs the CMC, and General Zhang Shengmin, the CMC's anti-graft officer. General Zhang Shengmin previously oversaw anti-graft efforts within the Rocket Force. This reduction in the CMC's membership is considered unprecedented by analysts. The official People's Liberation Army Daily described the probes as upholding the Chairman Responsibility System, which vests "supreme military decision-making" in China's president.

Expert Perspectives and Future Implications

Analysts describe the investigation of figures as senior as Zhang Youxia as a significant development.

  • Some experts view these events as indicative of President Xi Jinping's continued authority and his efforts to consolidate control over the military.
  • The current composition of the CMC and the number of removals suggest to some analysts a "leadership void" or "disarray" within the PLA.
  • The purges also highlight the limited availability of official information from Beijing, which contributes to speculation.
  • Some experts propose that the investigations could be a response to past criticisms that Xi's anti-corruption campaign was selective.
  • Regarding China's military readiness and potential actions concerning Taiwan, some experts suggest that the "gutting" of the PLA high command might make a near-term military escalation against Taiwan less likely due to disarray. However, others believe the crackdown aims to elevate a cadre of more competent and loyal generals for future challenges, potentially enhancing long-term military capabilities.