China’s highest-ranking military official is now under scrutiny in a move that has stunned observers of the nation’s leadership.
On Saturday, China’s communist government announced an investigation into Zhang Youxia, the 75-year-old top commander of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the military wing of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), for unspecified “serious” disciplinary violations. The probe, launched by the Ministry of National Defense after deliberation by the CCP’s Central Committee, also targets General Liu Zhenli, 61, a fellow member of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Zhang, as vice chairman of the CMC, holds a position second only to President Xi Jinping, who chairs the commission.
According to the Daily Caller, this investigation marks the latest chapter in Xi Jinping’s sweeping military purge, which has seen significant upheaval among top PLA officials in recent months. In October, nine senior PLA officers were ousted over allegations of violating party discipline and committing duty-related crimes. Since Xi assumed the role of CCP general secretary in 2012, over 200,000 officials have been disciplined under anti-corruption campaigns, according to data reported by The Associated Press.
Critics Highlight Instability in Leadership
Critics argue that these purges signal deeper cracks within China’s ruling structure, raising questions about the stability of the regime under Xi’s iron grip. While the Ministry’s statement offers no specifics on the allegations against Zhang and Liu, the lack of transparency only fuels speculation about internal power struggles.
“China’s regime is unstable and in disarray,” said Gordon G. Chang, a lawyer and outspoken critic of the CCP, in comments to the Daily Caller News Foundation. What’s clear is that Xi’s drive to centralize control appears to be shaking the very foundations of the party he leads.
Chang’s analysis points to a troubling pattern where purges, once started, spiral beyond control. He suggests that the PLA, long plagued by systemic issues, may never see an end to such upheavals under a leader determined to dominate every facet of power. This isn’t reform—it’s a relentless quest for loyalty at any cost.
Purge Targets Even Close Allies
Perhaps most striking is the targeting of Zhang Youxia, a figure reportedly close to Xi, showing that no one is safe from this anti-corruption crusade. Former CIA analyst Christopher K. Johnson called the move “unprecedented” in the history of China’s military, as reported by The New York Times. It’s a stark reminder that personal ties mean little when absolute authority is the goal.
Johnson further noted that this action “represents the total annihilation of the high command.” Such a sweeping takedown of the military elite doesn’t just purge individuals—it dismantles trust and cohesion at the very top. How can a nation project strength when its own leadership is in disarray?
The broader context of Xi’s actions paints a picture of a leader obsessed with control, even at the risk of destabilizing his own system. Since taking power, his campaigns have ensnared thousands, often under vague charges of corruption or disloyalty. This isn’t just housekeeping; it’s a calculated move to reshape the military into an unquestioning tool of his will.
Global Implications of Internal Strife
While the Ministry of National Defense remains tight-lipped on specifics, the ripple effects of this internal strife could extend far beyond China’s borders. Chang warns that although a deliberate military aggression seems unlikely, the regime’s volatility might lead to unintended conflicts. The world must watch closely as this unfolds.
Xi’s meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on January 16 at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People shows he continues to project an image of stability abroad. Yet, behind closed doors, the purge of trusted figures like Zhang suggests a very different reality. The contrast couldn’t be more glaring.
Critics like Chang argue that strongman tactics inherently breed instability, a flaw baked into the CCP’s structure of dominance and struggle. When loyalty trumps competence, the risk of missteps—military or otherwise—only grows. The rest of the globe can’t afford to ignore this warning sign.
What Lies Ahead for China?
As this purge gains momentum, the question remains whether Xi can piece together a fractured party and military after tearing it apart. The lack of clear charges against Zhang and Liu only deepens the mystery—and the unease—surrounding these moves. Transparency is nowhere to be found.
For now, the international community must grapple with the uncertainty of a major power wrestling with its own demons. A military stripped of experienced leadership is a wildcard, and the consequences of miscalculation could be severe. Vigilance, not complacency, is the order of the day. China’s story under Xi is one of ambition clashing with instability, a cautionary tale for any nation valuing strength over unity. While the purge may solidify his grip in the short term, the long-term cost to trust and governance could be steep. The world watches and waits for what comes next.
