Beijing, Sketsa.id – China’s political and military establishment has been jolted by a stunning announcement from the Ministry of National Defense: General Zhang Youxia, the country’s most senior military officer after President Xi Jinping himself, is under investigation.
The probe into Zhang marks the most dramatic casualty yet in Xi Jinping’s sweeping military purge—one that has already removed dozens of high-ranking officers across the armed forces. But Zhang’s case stands apart, not only because of his rank, but because of his personal proximity to Xi.
Long viewed as Xi’s most trusted military ally, Zhang’s sudden downfall has ignited intense speculation over what truly lies behind the investigation—and what it reveals about Xi’s tightening grip on China’s armed forces.
A “Serious Violation” With Deeper Implications
In its brief statement, Chinese authorities said Zhang Youxia and fellow senior officer Liu Zhenli are being investigated for “serious violations of party discipline and the law,” a phrase commonly associated with corruption cases in China.
Yet few analysts believe this is a routine corruption probe.
Zhang was no ordinary general. As vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), he played a pivotal role in China’s military modernization and was among the rare PLA commanders with actual combat experience. More importantly, he shared a deep personal bond with Xi Jinping—both are sons of revolutionary leaders and part of China’s elite “red princeling” class.
Removing such a figure sends an unmistakable message: loyalty offers no permanent protection under Xi’s rule.
With Zhang’s removal, five of the seven members of the Central Military Commission have now been sidelined through investigations or purges. This leaves China’s top military decision-making body effectively reduced to Xi Jinping and just one remaining senior general.
According to analysts, such a concentration of authority has not been seen since the era of Mao Zedong.
“This is unprecedented,” said Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute. “The PLA is facing a significant leadership vacuum.” He warned that the scale and speed of the purge could undermine confidence in Xi’s control over the military, even as it consolidates power in his hands.
Coup Plots and Nuclear Secrets: Rumors Fill the Void
China’s opaque political system has fueled a wave of speculation. Online rumors have ranged from alleged coup plotting to claims that Zhang leaked nuclear secrets to the United States—allegations reported by international outlets but impossible to independently verify.
Two unusual aspects stand out.
First, the speed of the announcement. In past cases, purged generals often disappeared from public view for months before any official explanation emerged. This time, the investigation was disclosed within days.
Second, the language used by official media. An editorial in the PLA Daily warned of “serious political problems” undermining the Communist Party’s absolute control over the military—terminology rarely used in standard corruption cases.
Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore noted that the lack of reliable information from Beijing only amplifies uncertainty and fuels extreme speculation.
Absolute Control—or Preparation for War?
The central question remains: does this purge signal weakness, or supreme confidence?
While early observers suggested paranoia or instability, a growing number of analysts now believe the opposite. Xi Jinping appears to be acting from a position of overwhelming authority—willing to remove even his closest allies to eliminate any potential obstacle to his long-term goals.
Taiwan looms large in this calculation. Xi has repeatedly stated that reunification with the self-governed island cannot be postponed indefinitely and may require the use of force. From this perspective, a corrupt or insufficiently loyal military represents a strategic liability.
The purge, then, may be less about punishment and more about preparation—reshaping the PLA into a force that is disciplined, obedient, and ready for conflict under a single, unquestioned command.
Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, one principle appears absolute: anyone perceived as a threat, no matter how powerful, will be removed. (cc)
