China's Xi Jinping Purges Top General Zhang Youxia

Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed General Zhang Youxia, the second-highest-ranking military official in China, and placed him under investigation for alleged misconduct. This move is part of Xi's ongoing military purge, with another high-ranking official, Liu Zhenli, also being investigated. The purge comes after the release of the US National Defense Strategy, which shifts the US focus towards dominance in the Western Hemisphere and counters China's influence. The removals are seen as a consolidation of Xi's power and a sign of his efforts to clean up the military.

The article analyzes the purge of General Zhang Youxia, China's most senior general, and its implications for President Xi Jinping's control over the military. Zhang's removal marks the most senior scalp taken in a series of high-level military purges, sparking speculation about the reasons behind his downfall. The article suggests that Xi's actions may be driven by a desire to consolidate his power and make the military 'battle-ready' for potential conflicts, such as retaking Taiwan. The purges have taken down dozens of high-ranking officials, including generals, commanders, and a defence minister, and have been likened to those under Mao Zedong. While corruption is often cited as the reason for these purges, the article notes that there may be more to Zhang's case, with rumours of a coup plot or passing nuclear secrets to the US. The article concludes that Xi's actions demonstrate his confidence in his position of absolute power and his willingness to take down even longstanding allies to achieve his goals.

The article discusses the downfall of General Zhang Youxia, a top military official in China, who was investigated for unspecified breaches of laws and political discipline. General Zhang was a close ally of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and was considered one of the most trusted deputies in the military. However, his sudden fall from grace has raised questions about the precariousness of power in Xi's China. The article suggests that General Zhang's downfall may be related to his perceived power and potential disloyalty to Xi.

China's top-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, is under investigation for alleged violations amid an ongoing purge of the country's military leadership. Zhang serves as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission under President Xi Jinping and has been seen as Xi's closest military ally. The investigation is the highest-profile case to date in an anti-graft purge of senior military leadership, with Zhang accused of leaking information about China's nuclear-weapons program and accepting bribes. Zhang's removal is the second of a sitting general on the Central Military Commission since the Cultural Revolution. The purge is part of a broader corruption crackdown ordered by Xi in 2012, which has targeted the military and other sectors. The developments are being closely watched by foreign diplomats and security analysts due to Zhang's closeness to Xi and the importance of the commission's work in terms of command and the PLA's ongoing military modernisation.