China’s highest-ranking military general faces probe

International

CHINA has opened an investigation into its highest-ranking military officer, General Zhang Youxia, over what authorities described as “grave violations of discipline and the law.”

The Ministry of National Defense did not provide further details, but such wording in China often refers to alleged corruption, a report by BBC said.

The ministry also confirmed that General Liu Zhenli, another senior military official, is under investigation.

Zhang, 75, serves as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the Communist Party body that oversees the armed forces and is chaired by President Xi Jinping. He is also a member of the Politburo, the party’s top decision-making group.

Long regarded as President Xi’s closest military ally, Zhang remained in office beyond the mandatory retirement age, signaling strong political backing until recently. He is among the few senior Chinese leaders with combat experience and comes from a prominent military family.

The probe comes months after nine top generals were expelled in October, marking one of the most extensive military crackdowns in decades.

Speculation about the investigation grew after Zhang and Liu were absent from a high-level party event in December.

President Xi has repeatedly warned that corruption poses a serious threat to the Communist Party and has intensified anti-corruption efforts, particularly within the military.

Supporters say the campaign strengthens discipline, while critics argue it may also be used to remove political rivals.

With the investigations underway, the Central Military Commission has been reduced from seven members to two: Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin, who oversees military discipline. (Adriane Josef E. Cabase, USJ-R Comm Intern)