PLA chiefs’ downfall eliminated ‘political danger’, military mouthpiece says

China's military mouthpiece stated that the expulsion of two former leaders, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Chinese armed forces and Communist Party has "eliminated a major hidden political danger." These former members of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the country's top military authority chaired by President Xi Jinping, were expelled for factionalism and disloyalty. State media reported their expulsion on Monday, with the military mouthpiece commenting on Wednesday. The article indicates that a serious investigation preceded these actions.

China has expelled two top military generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Chinese Communist Party due to alleged corruption and serious misconduct. State media reported that the generals "seriously violated political discipline and political rules, formed cliques and factions, and were disloyal and dishonest to the party." These expulsions are part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption crackdown, which has targeted thousands of officials across the country. Investigations into Zhang and Liu were announced in January, and they were removed from the military in late August. This action follows similar expulsions of other high-ranking military officials, including the former Defense Minister, as part of the extensive purge.

Former top military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli have been expelled from the Communist Party and the armed forces. This decision was made following a Politburo meeting on Monday, as reported by state media. The party accused both Zhang and Liu of factionalism and disloyalty. Zhang Youxia previously held the position of vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and was the highest-ranking uniformed member of the Chinese military, also serving as a member of the party's Politburo. Liu Zhenli was also a CMC member and formerly led the CMC's Joint Staff Department.