China expelled two former top military officers, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Communist Party and the military following investigations into severe breaches of discipline and law, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Zhang served as second-in-command under President Xi Jinping as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and stood as a close military ally, while Liu held a position as a CMC member and chief of staff of its Joint Staff Department.
Corruption Probe Details and Official Allegations
Official documents cited by Xinhua revealed that the Chinese leadership accused Zhang and Liu of disloyalty, corruption, and dereliction of duty. The reports stated that the pair violated political discipline, formed factions, and acted dishonestly toward the party. According to the state-run agency, their political and economic wrongdoings were intertwined, involving corrupt self-enrichment alongside abuse of office. The official statements described the sums involved as exceptionally large, noting that the nature of their conduct was extremely serious and the impact extremely egregious.
Did You Know? The Chinese military has remained a primary target of a broader anti-corruption crackdown initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2012. Probes into Zhang and Liu were initially announced in January, leading up to their removal from the state Central Military Commission in late August.
Timing of the Military Expulsions Ahead of Diplomatic Talks
The announcement regarding the expulsions arrived just days before President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel to the United States for diplomatic talks with President Donald Trump. Furthermore, the decision precedes an upcoming October party conclave focused on internal party governance and discipline. Zhang brought rare combat experience to his high-ranking posts and had also served as a member of the elite Politburo of the ruling Communist Party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the expelled military officers?
Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are the two top military officers expelled from the Chinese Communist Party and the military, according to Xinhua.
What positions did Zhang Youxia hold?
Zhang served as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, second-in-command under President Xi Jinping, and was a member of the elite Politburo.
What are the specific charges against Zhang and Liu?
Official documents cited by Xinhua accused them of disloyalty, corruption, dereliction of duty, forming cliques and factions, and intertwining political and economic wrongdoing.
When were the investigations announced?
Probes into the two officials were made public in January, followed by their removal from the state Central Military Commission in late August.
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