China Probes Two Top Generals: Anti-Corruption Drive or Internal Power Struggle?.

China Launches Probe into Senior Military Commanders

According to Novyny.live: Chinese authorities have initiated an investigation into two high-ranking military officials: General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli. Both are suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations, triggering a significant purge within the military's top ranks that appears to center on control and loyalty. This move underscores the persistent challenges of corruption within the powerful People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The targets are General Zhang Youxia, a Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and General Liu Zhenli, the head of the CMC's Joint Staff Department. Zhang Youxia has served in China's military leadership for over 25 years, while Liu Zhenli has held leadership roles in CMC headquarters for more than 20. The official charges cite 'serious violations of discipline and law.' The investigation, confirmed by state sources, is scheduled for the period of January 24-26, 2026.

Implications for Military Structure and Stability

This development occurs against the backdrop of the anti-corruption campaign launched by Xi Jinping between 2015 and 2018, which also led to extensive purges within the Chinese military elite. Comparisons to the purges of 1966-1976 highlight the long history and systemic nature of such processes in the country. The probe could impact the CMC's chain of command and affect China's defense programs, raising concerns both in Beijing and abroad about military readiness.

The investigation into these senior PLA figures may signal a continuation of the anti-corruption measures championed by the country's top leadership. It could also influence the stability of military structures and their capacity to fulfill defense obligations, a critical factor amid ongoing regional geopolitical tensions. Furthermore, such actions often point to underlying power struggles within the Chinese leadership, a pattern consistent with the historical context of past purges.