China Expels Former Top General Zhang Youxia, Sending 2 Officers for Prosecution
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21
China Expels Former Top General Zhang Youxia, Sending 2 Officers for Prosecution
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 21
Summary
China’s Politburo expelled former top commander Zhang Youxia and former subordinate Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party, a move that clears the way for military prosecution.
The party accused both men of taking “exceptionally large” bribes, abusing promotions, and failing to curb misconduct by relatives and subordinates.
The statement also framed the case as political, saying they formed a clique, betrayed the party, and were “disloyal and dishonest” toward Xi Jinping’s leadership.
Their abrupt removal from command in January was one of China’s biggest political shocks in years, especially because Xi had promoted Zhang and kept him past the usual retirement age.
Beyond the bribery charges, what hidden political rebellion forced Beijing to ruthlessly expel its top military commanders?
Are AI surveillance tools and WeChat tracking the real weapons driving this unprecedented purge of the Chinese military elite?
How will the sudden downfall of China's most combat-experienced generals impact the military's readiness for a Taiwan invasion?
Inside China’s 2026 Military Purge: The Fall of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, Xi Jinping’s Power Play, and the Risks for PLA Readiness
Overview
In September 2026, China expelled top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli after months of investigation for corruption and political disloyalty. Their removal was part of Xi Jinping’s decade-long campaign to purge the military, driven by his fear of losing control over the armed forces. The purge left the Central Military Commission nearly empty, stripping the PLA of its most experienced commanders and creating a climate of fear where officers avoid reporting problems. This has weakened military readiness, especially regarding Taiwan, and increased the risk of strategic miscalculation as Xi relies on loyalty over expertise.