Xi Jinping removes senior general in major shake-up of China’s military

China’s President, Xi Jinping, has dismissed one of the country’s most senior military leaders, intensifying a far-reaching overhaul of the People’s Liberation Army, PLA, that has unsettled the top ranks of China’s armed forces and sparked renewed debate about Beijing’s military preparedness, particularly regarding Taiwan.

General Zhang Youxia, a vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, CMC, and one of the PLA’s most seasoned officers, was removed from office over alleged “violations of discipline and law,” according to official announcements. Chinese authorities did not provide further details on the accusations.

Zhang’s ouster represents one of the most consequential moves in President Xi’s prolonged anti-corruption drive within the military. Since assuming power in 2012, Xi has overseen investigations and dismissals involving hundreds of senior officers as part of a broader campaign that has disciplined more than 200,000 officials across China’s political and military systems.

At 75, Zhang was widely viewed as a central figure in the PLA’s modernisation efforts and stood out as one of the few remaining top commanders with real combat experience, having taken part in the 1979 border conflict with Vietnam. He was also believed to have longstanding personal ties to President Xi, dating back to their early years.

In a related development, Liu Zhenli, the chief of staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, has reportedly come under investigation, further thinning the leadership of China’s highest military decision-making body. Once broader in composition, the CMC is now effectively reduced to President Xi and Zhang Shengmin, who oversees military discipline and anti-corruption efforts.

Security analysts say the latest shake-up highlights growing internal strain within the Chinese military, even as Xi continues to tighten his grip on power.

“While the PLA has made notable advances in hardware and technology, instability at the very top of the command structure poses serious operational risks,” said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

He described the developments as the most extensive purge of China’s military leadership since 1949, warning that it could leave the armed forces unsettled.

Some observers argue that the loss of experienced commanders may complicate any short-term plan to mount a complex military operation against Taiwan. Others, however, see the purge as more evidence of Xi’s dominance over both the Communist Party and the armed forces.

Christopher K. Johnson, a former CIA analyst, noted that although China has achieved rapid progress in weapons development, it continues to face challenges in executing large-scale joint military operations, making leadership cohesion a critical factor.

Xi Jinping removes senior general in major shake-up of China’s military