Beijing: China's military will rally more closely around the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) with President Xi Jinping at its core, a senior military official announced Monday, as reported by a Defense Ministry statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, the reaffirmation of party allegiance comes amid investigations involving senior Chinese generals, including Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli, who have been under scrutiny since last month. During a Chinese New Year reception in Beijing, attended by Defense Minister Adm. Dong Jun, a representative from the Office for International Military Cooperation of the Central Military Commission (CMC) emphasized that in the new year, the Chinese military will align more closely with the CPC Central Committee, led by Comrade Xi Jinping, and adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Zhang and Liu, both members of the CMC, are under investigation, leaving the top military body with only two active members: Xi and Zhang Shengmin, who serves as secretary of the commission's disciplinary inspection body. The recent probe highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure party loyalty within the military ranks.

Last Wednesday, Beijing also removed three defense industry delegates, including a nuclear weapons expert, from the national legislature. Zhang, the first vice chairman of the commission, is reportedly accused of leaking nuclear secrets to the US, further intensifying the focus on maintaining confidentiality and allegiance to the party.

Under an anti-corruption campaign, approximately 30 senior Chinese military generals and officials have been investigated or removed since 2023, reflecting the CPC's commitment to reinforcing discipline and party unity within the military.