China launches probe into its highest-ranking general

(MENAFN) China has announced an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, one of the country’s highest-ranking military officials. Zhang, who serves as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and is a member of the Communist Party’s Politburo, is suspected of “serious violations of discipline and law.” Another senior CMC member, Liu Zhenli, is reportedly under investigation for similar allegations.

Zhang, 74, has been in the People’s Liberation Army since 1968 and continued serving beyond China’s customary military retirement age. While some reports suggest he may have leaked information related to China’s nuclear program to foreign powers and accepted bribes for promotions, the Chinese government has not confirmed these claims.

State media emphasized that corruption within the military will be punished “without leniency,” regardless of rank. Since beginning his third term in 2023, President Xi Jinping has intensified anti-corruption efforts across both the armed forces and the Communist Party, arguing that graft threatens national development and party discipline.

Over the past three years, multiple senior officials have been removed, including vice chairmen, CMC members, a defense minister, and numerous generals. Speaking at a top anti-corruption agency meeting on January 12, Xi acknowledged “solid progress” in improving party conduct but warned that the situation remains “grave and complex” and that there must be “no place to hide” for corrupt officials.

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