China’s Military Leadership Faces Sweeping Changes Amidst Purge
Beijing is undergoing a significant reshuffling of its military leadership, with several high-ranking officials removed from their posts in recent weeks. The moves, which come ahead of the annual “Two Sessions” political meetings, signal a continued effort by President Xi Jinping to consolidate control over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and address concerns about corruption and loyalty within the ranks.
On February 26, China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee stripped nine military officials of their representative status, including former Army Commander Li Chaoming. This action follows the earlier removal of Zhang Youxia, the deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission and Liu Zhenli, the chief of the Joint Staff Department, in January. While Zhang and Liu retained their representative status, the dismissal of the nine other generals underscores the breadth of the ongoing purge. According to reports, the changes are linked to Zhang Youxia’s removal.
Zhang Youxia, widely considered the second-most powerful figure in the Chinese military after Xi Jinping, was reportedly investigated for allegedly leaking China’s nuclear secrets to the United States, as well as for accepting bribes. Sources cited by the Wall Street Journal revealed that these allegations were presented during a briefing to military leaders on January 25. The accusations also include claims that Zhang abused his power and accepted bribes in exchange for promotions. The investigation reportedly stemmed from a probe into Gu Jun, the former general manager of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), which began on January 19.
The purge extends beyond allegations of espionage and corruption. Chinese state media has accused Zhang and Liu of undermining Xi Jinping’s authority and damaging the principle of the Party’s absolute leadership over the military. The Liberation Army Daily, the PLA’s official newspaper, stated that the two officials “seriously betrayed the trust of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, seriously violated the principle of responsibility of the chairman of the Military Commission, and seriously damaged the leadership of the Party over the military.”
In addition to Zhang Youxia, reports indicate that several other high-ranking officers have been implicated in the crackdown. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), over 100 high-ranking Chinese military officials have been purged or have gone missing since 2022. Zhang was also allegedly involved in bribery related to the promotions of other officials, including former Defense Minister Li Shangfu.
The sweeping changes within the Chinese military are taking place as Beijing prepares for its annual legislative meetings, known as the “Two Sessions.” Analysts suggest that the government is seeking to reinforce internal controls ahead of these important political gatherings. The developments underscore Xi Jinping’s determination to maintain firm control over the PLA and eliminate any potential challenges to his authority. The ongoing purge could have significant implications for China’s military modernization and its regional security posture.
