China’s military establishment has been thrown into uncertainty following the announcement of investigations into two of its most senior active-duty generals, marking one of the most dramatic leadership disruptions in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in decades.
On January 24, 2026, China’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and General Liu Zhenli, Chief of Staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, are under investigation for alleged “serious violations of discipline and law.” Both officers have been removed from their leadership roles pending the outcome of the probe.
General Zhang, 75, has long been regarded as one of President Xi Jinping’s most trusted military figures. A veteran of the 1979 China–Vietnam border conflict, Zhang played a central role in shaping China’s modern military structure and was considered a pillar of continuity within the armed forces. His sudden removal signals a rare breach at the highest levels of China’s military hierarchy.
While official statements have not detailed the allegations, reports circulating among analysts point to accusations ranging from corruption and abuse of authority to improper involvement in military procurement and internal political maneuvering. Unverified claims have also suggested possible breaches involving sensitive defense information, though such assertions have not been publicly confirmed by Chinese authorities.
The investigation reportedly follows evidence linked to earlier probes into senior figures connected to China’s nuclear and defense industries, underscoring the expanding scope of internal military oversight.
Part of a Broader Military Purge
The move fits into President Xi Jinping’s long-running campaign to tighten political discipline and loyalty within the PLA. Since 2023, numerous high-ranking officers have been dismissed or expelled as part of what Beijing describes as an effort to root out corruption and reinforce party control over the military.
In 2025 alone, several senior generals, including a former CMC vice-chairman, were removed amid similar allegations. The latest developments further reduce the number of active-duty officers at the very top of the command structure, consolidating authority more directly under Xi’s leadership.
Analysts note that while the campaign may strengthen political control, it could also disrupt operational continuity, procurement processes, and internal confidence within the armed forces during a period of heightened regional tension.
Regional and International Attention
The shake-up has drawn close scrutiny from neighboring governments, particularly Taiwan. Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated that authorities are closely monitoring what he described as “abnormal” changes within China’s military leadership, emphasizing the need to assess whether the developments could influence Beijing’s posture toward the island.
Taiwanese defense officials said they are using combined intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, along with international intelligence-sharing mechanisms, to evaluate potential strategic implications.
International observers say the investigations highlight the dual pressures facing China’s military: maintaining readiness while undergoing deep internal restructuring. Some analysts caution that sudden leadership removals at this level could complicate command stability, especially in scenarios involving Taiwan or broader U.S.–China strategic competition.
A Defining Moment for PLA Governance
The decision to investigate figures once viewed as politically secure illustrates the priority Beijing places on party discipline over personal alliances. For President Xi, the message appears clear: no position is immune from scrutiny if loyalty or compliance is questioned.
As the investigations proceed, the outcome may reshape not only the internal balance of power within China’s armed forces but also international perceptions of stability within one of the world’s largest militaries.
For now, the PLA enters 2026 facing both external pressure and internal transformation, with global observers watching closely for what comes next.
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