China's Military Leadership Shaken as Top Generals Face Investigation

China's Military Leadership Shaken as Top Generals Face Investigation

In a move that has sent shockwaves through China’s military establishment, the country’s Ministry of National Defense announced on January 24, 2024, that two of its most senior military leaders—Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) Zhang Youxia and Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC Liu Zhenli—are under investigation for “serious disciplinary and legal violations.”

The announcement, which was carried by state media outlets including the PLA Daily (解放军报), marks a landmark moment in China’s ongoing military anti-corruption campaign. For Zhang Youxia, a member of the Politburo and one of the highest-ranking military officials in the country, the investigation is particularly significant—making him one of the most senior figures to face scrutiny in recent years.

Split image showing Zhang Youxia (left) and Liu Zhenli (right), both in military uniforms. The image is sourced from Ta Kung Pao Wen Hui Wang.

Who Are Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli?

Zhang Youxia, 73, is a veteran of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) who has risen through the ranks to become one of the most powerful figures in China’s military hierarchy. Born in Shaanxi Province in 1950, Zhang joined the PLA in 1968 and became a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) the following year. He has held a series of key positions, including commander of the 27th Group Army and deputy commander of the Beijing Military Region, before being appointed to the CMC in 2012.

Liu Zhenli, 60, is a more recent addition to the top tier of China’s military leadership. Born in Henan Province in 1964, Liu joined the PLA in 1983 and became a member of the CPC in 1985. He has served in a variety of roles, including commander of the 54th Group Army and deputy commander of the Southern Theater Command, before being appointed as Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC in 2022.

Context: The Ongoing Military Anti-Corruption Campaign

The investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli is the latest in a series of high-profile cases targeting corruption within China’s military. Since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has targeted both civilian and military officials. The campaign, which is often referred to as “the fight against the four evils” (反对四风), has emphasized the need to “purify the political environment” and “strengthen combat readiness” within the military.

Table titled 'Central Military Commission Members Investigated in Recent Years' lists recent investigations of high-ranking military officials, including Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. The table is compiled by Ta Kung Pao Wen Hui Wang.

The table above, compiled by Ta Kung Pao Wen Hui Wang, provides a snapshot of the recent investigations of Central Military Commission members. The table lists several high-ranking officials who have been investigated, including Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, as well as other figures such as Wei Fenghe, Li Shangfu, and Miao Hua. The table also provides details on the positions held by these officials at the time of their investigation and the status of their cases.

Official Statements: Reinforcing 'Zero Tolerance' for Corruption

In the wake of the announcement, the PLA Daily published an editorial titled “Resolutely Win the Battle Against Military Corruption” (坚决打赢军队反腐败斗争攻坚战持久战总体战). The editorial emphasized the CCP’s commitment to fighting corruption “without禁区 (no forbidden zones), full coverage, and zero tolerance.” The editorial also stated that the investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli aims to “purify the political environment, strengthen combat readiness, and ensure the army remains loyal to the Party.”

“The investigation demonstrates the CCP’s resolve to fight corruption 'without禁区 (no forbidden zones), full coverage, and zero tolerance.'” - PLA Daily Editorial

Reactions and Implications: What This Means for China’s Military

The announcement of the investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli has sparked a range of reactions, both within China and internationally. Within China, the reaction has been largely supportive of the anti-corruption campaign, with many commentators emphasizing the need for “zero tolerance” for corruption within the military. For example, military commentator Song Zhongping told Hong Kong Wen Wei Po that the investigation “highlights the military’s anti-corruption campaign ‘no forbidden zones, full coverage, zero tolerance,’ with no upper limit—any corruption involving power will be investigated to the end, regardless of who is involved or which important figure it is. Only national laws and military discipline are considered, without regard for personal relationships.”

“Central果断查处军中违纪违法高层,凸显军队反腐'无禁区、全覆盖、零容忍',上不封顶,只要涉及到权力的腐败,就一查到底,不管涉及到谁,涉及到哪一个重要的人士,只考虑国法军纪,不会考虑个人的私情.” - Military Commentator Song Zhongping

Internationally, the investigation has been viewed as a significant development in China’s efforts to modernize and professionalize its military. Some analysts have suggested that the investigation may be part of a broader effort by President Xi Jinping to consolidate his control over the military and to eliminate potential rivals. Others have noted that the investigation may have implications for China’s military operations and its relationships with other countries, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

Conclusion

The investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli represents a watershed moment in China’s military anti-corruption campaign. For the first time, one of the highest-ranking military officials in the country has been targeted for investigation, sending a clear message that no one—regardless of position—is above the law. The investigation also raises important questions about the future of China’s military leadership and the extent to which President Xi Jinping will continue to consolidate his control over the military. As the investigation unfolds, it will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers, who will be eager to understand the full implications of this landmark development.