Xi Jinping Purges Top Chinese Military Officers, Is China Heading For A Big Shake Up?

Beijing: A long-running investigation into corruption within the Chinese military has reached the highest levels. Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed his most senior general, Zhang Youxia, from his post. He was dismissed while under investigation for corruption allegations. This signals a further intensification of the crackdown on corruption within the Chinese military.

What is Xi Jinping doing in China?

Xi has removed several top military officials from their positions in recent months. This development is impacting the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), one of the world's most powerful militaries.

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense said in a statement on Saturday that General Zhang Youxia, the senior of the two vice chairmen of the Communist Party's top military decision-making body and China's number one general, is being investigated for alleged violations of discipline and the law. General Zhang Youxia is the most senior active member of the military to face dismissal since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

Who have been targeted during Xi Jinping’s purge in China?

General Zhang, who is under investigation, is a vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). The CMC is the supreme command of the Chinese military, headed by President Xi Jinping. Zhang's position on the CMC makes him the highest-ranking military officer in the Chinese armed forces. This action has therefore attracted attention worldwide, even outside of China.

The other senior officer under investigation alongside Zhang is General Liu Zhenli. Liu is a member of the CMC and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department. The Ministry of Defense stated that the CPC Central Committee, after deliberation, decided to launch an investigation against Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli.

What is the fallout of Xi Jinping's actions in China?

This strong action against the two military officers has become a subject of much discussion. The decision to investigate Zhang, in particular, has caused a stir within the Chinese military establishment. Zhang is also a member of the 24-member Politburo, the center of power of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Since assuming power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has cracked down on officers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) as part of his anti-corruption campaign. He has dismissed or imprisoned dozens of senior officers. This crackdown has intensified in recent months.