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China · Military Purge · Political Risk · Xi Jinping
China's President Xi Jinping has expanded his military anti-corruption probe, ousting Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, 75, and Joint Staff Department Chief of Staff Liu Zhenli, 61, on suspicion of "serious violations of discipline and law," creating a significant leadership vacuum.
Zhang Youxia, a "princeling" and close ally of Xi, and Liu Zhenli, promoted by Xi, were key figures; their investigation follows probes into former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, Rocket Force leadership, and former Central Military Commission Vice Chairman He Weidong last year. The Communist Party of China Central Committee explicitly named as the principal in the investigation signals Xi's direct control.
Deutsche Welle analyzed the probe links to corruption within the Equipment Development Department, which Zhang Youxia headed from 2015. Christopher Johnson, a former CIA analyst, told the New York Times that the entire top command is reorganizing, indicating Xi's distrust.
Newsweek reported concerns about operational continuity and stability due to accumulating leadership vacancies and potential lack of experience. The People's Liberation Army Daily stated the move aims to strengthen military discipline and combat capability ahead of the PLA's 100th anniversary next year.
