China probes top military leader close to President Xi Jinping

China has placed one of its most powerful military leaders under investigation, sending shockwaves across the country and raising serious questions about internal power struggles within the Communist Party of China (CPC).​

Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC)–the top body that controls the Chinese military–has been put under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law”, according to China’s Ministry of National Defence. Zhang was considered the second-most powerful military figure after President Xi Jinping.​

Along with Zhang, Liu Zhenli, Chief of Staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, is also under investigation.

Chinese state media accused both leaders of betraying the Communist Party’s trust and creating corruption and political problems that threatened the party’s control over the military. However, the government has not officially revealed the exact charges.​

According to a report in the The Wall Street Journal, Zhang is accused of leaking sensitive information related to China’s nuclear weapons to the United States. He is also suspected of trying to build his own power base within the military, which may have alarmed President Xi, who chairs the CMC.​

Zhang’s sudden disappearance from public events since November 2025 had already sparked speculation about his fate. His investigation is especially shocking because he was known to be a close ally of Xi Jinping and comes from a revolutionary family with long-standing ties to China’s leadership.

Experts believe the nuclear leak allegations may be exaggerated to justify his removal. Professor Srikanth Kondapalli from Jawaharlal Nehru University said the move is part of Xi’s broader effort to tighten control over the military and eliminate any threat to his authority.

Since coming to power in 2012, Xi Jinping has launched an aggressive anti-corruption campaign within the party and the military. Since 2023, more than 20 senior military officials have been investigated or removed.​

While these purges aim to strengthen loyalty and discipline, analysts warn they could hurt morale and create instability within the Chinese military–especially at a time when China is preparing for major goals like military modernisation and pressure on Taiwan.