China places highest-ranking general under investigation

China's defense ministry announced an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, the country's highest-ranking general and a close ally of President Xi Jinping, for "grave violations of discipline and the law." General Liu Zhenli is also under investigation. This follows the expulsion of nine other top generals in October, marking a significant crackdown on the military. Zhang, a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and a member of the Politburo, is one of the few senior leaders with combat experience and was kept in office beyond the typical retirement age. The announcement comes after rumors circulated regarding Zhang and Liu's absence from a high-level party event in December. President Xi's anti-corruption campaign, which has recently focused on the military, is seen by some as a tool to purge political rivals.

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