China's state news agency Xinhua reported today that the country has removed Zhang Youxia, a former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission.

General Zhang Youxia, a native of Shaanxi, joined the army in 1968 and holds the rank of general. He previously held leadership positions in the Beijing and Shenyang military regions before becoming a member of the Central Military Commission and leading military logistics and equipment agencies.

He became a member of the Politburo in 2018. The Central Military Commission of China has two vice chairmen, with general Zhang Youxia holding the higher authority and the number two position in the body, second only to chairman Xi Jinping.

General Zhang Youxia in Beijing, China, in 3/2025. Photo: Reuters

General Liu Zhenli, a native of Hebei, also holds the rank of general. He became a member of the Central Military Commission in 2022 and was appointed chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department in 2023. He previously served as commander of two army groups, chief of staff of the armed police, and commander of the Chinese army.

The Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission of China is the highest operational command agency of the Chinese military. Established on 11/1/2016, it replaced the General Staff Department. This agency is directly led by the Central Military Commission of China, specializing in strategic planning, joint training, and combat readiness.

In january, China's Ministry of National Defense announced that general Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were under investigation for alleged "serious violations of discipline and law," a phrase often used to denote corruption.

General Liu Zhenli (center) at an event in Beijing in 10/2023. Photo: Reuters

This decision is part of the anti-corruption campaign, a hallmark of chairman Xi Jinping's tenure. PLA Daily, the official newspaper of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), published an editorial in february stating the investigation into general Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli aims to eliminate weaknesses and create new momentum for military development.

"Resolutely investigating and punishing corrupt officials like Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli will remove obstacles and impediments hindering the development of our cause," PLA Daily wrote.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)