China’s military power structure is shaking again. Zhang Youxia, the most senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, is now under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law,” according to China’s Defense Ministry.
Zhang’s downfall marks the most dramatic escalation yet in a sweeping purge that has hollowed out the upper ranks of the People’s Liberation Army. At 75, Zhang is one of the most powerful uniformed figures in China—second only to President Xi Jinping, who personally chairs the military commission.
The probe doesn’t stop with Zhang. The Defense Ministry confirmed that another commission member, Liu Zhenli—the PLA’s chief of staff—has also been placed under investigation by the Communist Party. No details were given, a familiar silence that has followed nearly every high-level takedown in Beijing’s years-long anti-corruption drive.
Analysts say the message is unmistakable: no rank is untouchable. While Beijing frames the purges as anti-corruption reform, they also serve a deeper purpose—locking in absolute loyalty to Xi as China modernizes its military and prepares for potential flashpoints in the Pacific.
Since Xi took power in 2012, more than 200,000 officials across party, state, and military institutions have been punished. The military purge has been especially ruthless. Just months ago, the commission’s other vice chair was expelled and replaced, signaling that even the top command is under constant scrutiny.
With two of China’s highest-ranking generals now under investigation, the question inside Beijing isn’t whether the purge will continue—but who’s next.
