China announced on Saturday that two top military officials are under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline,” a common term for corruption.
The Defence Ministry said Zhang Youxia, senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the CMC’s joint staff department, are the subjects of the probe. Both are accused of potential legal and disciplinary violations.
Zhang Youxia, 75, is the more senior of the two CMC vice chairmen. He shares the title with Zhang Shengmin, another general in China’s secretive rocket force. Zhang Shengmin’s predecessor was expelled in a prior corruption investigation, showing a continuing anti-graft push.
Liu Zhenli, 61, holds a crucial position as chief of staff in the CMC’s joint staff department, overseeing military planning and coordination. The investigation signals Beijing’s continued focus on accountability at the highest levels of the armed forces.
Both Zhang and Liu rank directly below President Xi Jinping, who has chaired the CMC since 2012. Experts say that targeting top military leaders underscores China’s long-standing campaign to clean up the party and military since Xi took power.
The announcement follows a series of similar moves in recent years, where senior officials in the military and government have faced scrutiny for corruption and misuse of power. Analysts note that these actions aim to reinforce discipline and loyalty within the armed forces.
China’s statement did not provide further details on the nature of the violations or the expected timeline of the investigation. The cases will likely attract close attention, given the prominence of the officials involved.
Observers say that holding top military officials accountable could impact military operations, internal power dynamics, and Beijing’s broader anti-corruption efforts in both the party and the armed forces.
In other news read more about: Pakistani Military Ranks Among Top 10 Most Powerful Globally
