In China, Xi’s closest military ally expelled for ‘disloyalty’

The Politburo of the Communist Party approved the handling of both cases during a meeting held in Beijing. Zhang Youxia was a member of the Politburo and served as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, while Liu Zhenli was a member of that commission and the chief of staff of its joint department.

The official statement accuses the two officials of forming “cliques” that served their own interests, demonstrating disloyalty to the Party, and using their positions to facilitate promotions in exchange for bribes. Chinese authorities mentioned “exceptionally high” amounts without disclosing a specific figure.

Zhang Youxia’s fall is particularly striking due to his rank and his long-standing closeness to Xi Jinping. At 76 years old, this veteran had rare combat experience at the top of the People’s Liberation Army and had been presented for years as one of the Chinese leader’s trusted men.

The two generals had already been removed from the Central Military Commission at the end of August. Their removal had confirmed the extent of the upheavals occurring at the top of the Chinese military apparatus.

The Chinese Ministry of Defense announced as early as January 24 the initiation of investigations into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli for “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrase typically used by Beijing in corruption cases involving high-ranking officials.

The expulsion of the two men from the Party will still need to be confirmed during a plenary session of the Central Committee. Their removal from the military has already been decided, while suspicions of criminal offenses are now being referred to military prosecution authorities.

This decision comes just days before Xi Jinping’s planned trip to the United States for discussions with Donald Trump and a few weeks ahead of an important Communist Party meeting focused on internal governance and discipline.