Fate of China’s top general more likely to do with power struggle than corruption

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Amy Hawkins Senior China correspondentJanuary 26, 2026 at 08:09 PM

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China's highest-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, and another Central Military Commission (CMC) member, Liu Zhenli, are under investigation for "suspected serious violations of discipline and law," announced by the defense ministry on Saturday. Zhang, the second-most powerful person in China's military after Xi Jinping, faces allegations of betraying the party's trust and undermining its leadership over the military. While specific details remain undisclosed, the investigation suggests political issues alongside corruption. This purge is considered significant, with Zhang being the most senior official ousted in recent years, following others like former defense minister Li Shangfu. Some analysts suggest Zhang's downfall may be linked to a power struggle, given his previously trusted position and recent appearance with Xi.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Asia Society 40% United States 40% National University of Singapore 40% Neil Thomas 50% Alfred Wu ×250% Li Shangfu ×270% People's Liberation Army (PLA) ×480% Liu Zhenli ×380% Xi Jinping ×490% China ×490% Central Military Commission (CMC) ×690% Zhang Youxia ×8100%

Keywords

zhang youxia 90% power struggle 90% corruption 80% people's liberation army 70% central military commission 70% military purge 60% xi jinping 60% political problems 60% discipline and law violations 50% li shangfu 40%