China’s Highest-Ranking General Removed as Xi’s Military Purge Reaches the Top

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Chris BuckleyJanuary 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

China's Defense Ministry announced on Saturday that General Zhang Youxia, the highest-ranking general and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, is under investigation for alleged violations of discipline and law. General Liu Zhenli, another member of the commission, is also being investigated. This marks a significant escalation in President Xi Jinping's ongoing purge of the People's Liberation Army elite, aimed at rooting out corruption and disloyalty. The investigation into General Zhang, previously considered a close confidante of Xi, is particularly notable. With these investigations, only two members remain on the Central Military Commission, Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin. All six uniformed commanders appointed to the commission in 2022 have now been removed.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Central Intelligence Agency 40% Joint Staff Department 40% Christopher K. Johnson 50% Defense Ministry 60% Zhang Shengmin ×360% Chinese military ×270% Liu Zhenli ×270% People's Liberation Army 80% Central Military Commission ×385% China ×390% Zhang Youxia ×890% Xi Jinping ×895%

Keywords

military purge 90% xi jinping 90% general zhang youxia 80% people's liberation army 70% investigation 70% central military commission 60% corruption 60% disloyalty 50% military command 50%