China Investigates Senior Military Officials for Corruption

China’s government announced on Saturday that two high-ranking military officials, including the senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), are under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline.” This term is often interpreted as a euphemism for corruption. The move is part of a broader initiative led by President Xi Jinping to combat corruption within the Communist Party and state institutions.

The Ministry of National Defense confirmed the investigation into Zhang Youxia, aged 75, and Liu Zhenli, aged 61, stating they are suspected of “serious violations of discipline and the law.” Zhang Youxia is China’s highest-ranking general, holding a prominent position as the vice chairman of the CMC and as a member of the Politburo, the executive body of the Communist Party. He shares the vice chairman role with Zhang Shengmin, who was recently appointed after the expulsion of his predecessor amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

Liu Zhenli serves as the chief of staff for the CMC’s joint staff department, which is responsible for overseeing military combat planning. Speculation regarding the investigation intensified when both officials missed an official meeting led by Xi Jinping, which was attended by Zhang Shengmin, further fueling concerns within military ranks.

Xi has consistently labeled corruption as “the biggest threat” to the Communist Party, asserting that the fight against it remains “grave and complex.” Supporters of this anti-corruption campaign argue that it fosters clean governance. Nonetheless, critics contend that it also offers Xi a mechanism to eliminate political rivals and consolidate power.

The current investigations follow a significant crackdown on military corruption, with nine military officials being scrutinized just last month. As part of these inquiries, the Ministry of National Defense expelled two top generals: He Weidong, the former second-ranked CMC vice chairman, and Miao Hua, the previous head of the military’s political work department.

In 2024, former defense minister Li Shangfu was expelled from the Communist Party due to alleged involvement in bribery. His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, also faced expulsion and was handed over to prosecutors for similar allegations.

The ongoing investigations into military leadership reflect a significant aspect of Xi Jinping’s administration, which has prioritized the elimination of corruption as a means of reinforcing the Party’s legitimacy and control over the military. This latest announcement underscores the gravity of the situation within the ranks of power in China, as the government continues its relentless pursuit of corrupt practices across all levels of governance.