Central Military Commission (CMC)

The Central Military Commission (CMC) is China's top military command body, headed by President Xi Jinping. Recent news focuses on investigations into two of its high-ranking members, General Zhang Youxia, the first-ranked vice-chairman, and General Liu Zhenli, chief of the Joint Staff Department. Both are suspected of "serious violations of discipline and law," prompting a corruption probe. Zhang, previously considered a close ally of Xi Jinping, and Liu's investigations highlight a potential power struggle within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and underscore Xi's emphasis on party discipline and political purity. The investigations are significant as they impact the PLA's leadership and raise questions about the integrity of military spending and combat readiness. The events also signal a warning about adherence to party principles within the military ranks.