Beijing is grappling with a deepening crisis within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), following the removal of its highest-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, and another senior officer, Liu Zhenli. The unprecedented purge, announced over the weekend, has left the Central Military Commission (CMC) – China’s supreme military body – significantly weakened and raises questions about the stability of the armed forces and potential implications for regional security, particularly concerning Taiwan.
The investigations into both generals cite “serious violations of discipline and law,” a common euphemism for corruption within the Chinese Communist Party. However, specific details regarding the alleged wrongdoing remain undisclosed. State media has offered little explanation beyond a commitment to punish corruption, a long-standing priority of President Xi Jinping’s leadership. Rumors circulating on social media and in some media reports remain unconfirmed.
Zhang Youxia, 75, held the position of vice-chairman of the CMC, second in command to President Xi himself. Liu Zhenli headed the military’s Joint Staff Department. Their removal leaves only one other member – Gen. Zhang Shengmin – alongside Xi on the CMC, an extraordinarily unusual situation. Experts note that the CMC’s reduced composition represents a major leadership void within the PLA.
“The PLA is in disarray,” said Lyle Morris, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, describing the situation as unprecedented. The scale of the purge has prompted speculation about the underlying causes, ranging from genuine anti-corruption efforts to a power struggle within the party. Some analysts suggest the moves could be linked to concerns about the PLA’s readiness and loyalty, or even dissatisfaction with the handling of recent military reforms.
The timing of the purge is particularly sensitive, given the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Some observers fear that the disruption within the PLA could embolden hardliners within the Chinese leadership, or conversely, create uncertainty that could lead to miscalculation. A French newspaper reported that, following Zhang’s removal, there may be no one left to restrain a military action against Taiwan.
The purge also raises questions about the future trajectory of China’s military modernization program. The PLA has undergone rapid expansion and technological advancement in recent decades, transforming it into a formidable force. However, the removal of key leaders could disrupt this progress and create challenges for maintaining momentum.
The investigations come after a series of similar moves targeting high-ranking military officials in recent months, suggesting a broader crackdown on corruption and disloyalty within the armed forces. This latest wave of purges is considered the most significant in the history of the People’s Republic of China, according to Neil Thomas, a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis.
While the official narrative focuses on anti-corruption, the lack of transparency surrounding the investigations has fueled speculation about the true motives behind the purge. Some analysts suggest that Xi Jinping may be consolidating his control over the military, eliminating potential rivals and ensuring the PLA’s unwavering loyalty. Others point to potential issues within the defense industry, including allegations of mismanagement and financial irregularities.
The impact of the purge extends beyond China’s immediate security concerns. The PLA plays an increasingly important role in regional and global affairs, and any disruption to its leadership could have wider implications for international stability. Neighboring countries, including Japan, South Korea, and India, are likely to be closely monitoring the situation, assessing the potential risks and opportunities.
The unfolding events also highlight the opaque nature of China’s political system and the challenges of understanding the internal dynamics of the Chinese Communist Party. The lack of independent media and limited access to information make it difficult to assess the full extent of the crisis and its potential consequences. The situation is further complicated by the government’s tight control over information and its tendency to suppress dissent.
The removal of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli represents a significant turning point for the PLA and for China’s broader geopolitical ambitions. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the purge and its implications for regional and global security. The international community will be watching closely to see how Beijing responds to this unprecedented crisis and whether it can maintain stability within its armed forces.
