Beijing: China's recent investigation into its military leadership, specifically targeting the country's top uniformed soldier, has resulted in the Central Military Commission (CMC) retaining only two members out of its original seven. The CMC, which oversees the People's Liberation Army (PLA), plays a critical role in maintaining the overall military capability and operational preparedness of China's armed forces.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zhang Youxia, who is the first vice chairman of the CMC and a key figure in the military hierarchy, is under investigation alongside Liu Zhenli, a member of the CMC and chief of staff of the CMC Joint Staff Department. This probe has left only Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin, the secretary of the CMC commission discipline inspection, as the remaining members of the CMC.
The investigation is part of a broader scrutiny campaign by Beijing that has seen several top military officials being investigated for "suspected serious discipline and law violations," a term often associated with corruption. The Chinese military newspaper, People's Liberation Army Daily, reported that Zhang and Liu are accused of undermining Xi's authority and causing significant damage to the party's leadership over the armed forces.
The CMC, traditionally composed of Xi, two vice chairmen, and four members, has seen several of its members, including He Weidong, Li Shangfu, and Miao Hua, removed due to similar allegations. The outcome of Zhang and Liu's investigation remains uncertain as it progresses.
Zhang Youxia's career in the PLA began in 1968, leading to his rise as a Politburo member in 2017 and his promotion to first vice chairman of the CMC in 2022. Allegations against him include leaking information about China's nuclear weapons program to the US and accepting bribes for official acts, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal, which cited sources familiar with the briefing on the allegations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun declined to comment on these claims, stating he was not familiar with them. Neil Thomas, a senior expert on China affairs at the Asia Society, expressed skepticism about the allegations, questioning how such actions could go undetected given the high level of monitoring within the PLA.
The investigations have led to significant changes within China's military leadership, with Admiral Dong Jun recently succeeding Li Shangfu as defense minister. This marks the first time a naval officer has assumed this position. However, Dong has not been elevated to the CMC.
Overall, these investigations signify one of the most significant purges within China's military in recent decades, highlighting the ongoing efforts by Beijing to tighten control and address corruption within its ranks.