China’s Central Military Commission Cut to Two After Weekend Purge of Top Generals
Updated (7 articles)
Defense Ministry launches investigation of two senior generals On 24 January 2026 the Ministry of National Defense announced that General Zhang Youxia, senior vice‑chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and General Liu Zhenli, chief of the Joint Staff Department, are under probe for “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrasing that signals corruption accusations across all reports [1][5][6]. The announcement was accompanied by a short video and a brief statement that offered no further details about the alleged offenses [3][4]. Both officials have long careers in the PLA, with Zhang serving since 1968 and Liu holding a key operational post [6][1].
Central Military Commission reduced to two members The simultaneous removal of Zhang and Liu leaves the CMC composed solely of President Xi Jinping and General Zhang Shengmin, who heads the PLA discipline unit [1][2][4][5]. Historically the commission includes five to seven senior leaders; the current two‑person configuration is described as unprecedented and concentrates formal military authority in Xi’s hands [1][2]. Analysts note that the vacancy of five seats may persist until the 2027 Party Congress, when new appointments are traditionally made [4].
Analysts debate motives behind the weekend purge Experts cite a range of possible drivers: some see the move as a crackdown on a perceived coup plot or a leak of nuclear data, referencing unverified Wall Street Journal reports that Zhang allegedly passed technical information to the United States [2][3]; others argue the purge serves Xi’s broader anti‑graft campaign, eliminating rival cliques and reinforcing loyalty [1][5][6]. The lack of transparent evidence fuels speculation, with scholars highlighting limited information flow from Beijing and the potential for internal power struggles [1][2]. Regardless of motive, the rapid dismissal of senior officers creates a leadership void that could affect decision‑making speed [1][3].
Implications for Taiwan policy and PLA cohesion Observers warn that the sudden loss of experienced commanders, including Zhang’s rare combat background, may temporarily weaken China’s ability to project force toward Taiwan, making strategic choices more dependent on Xi’s personal judgment [1][4][3]. Conversely, the anti‑corruption drive could produce a more ideologically aligned force, potentially strengthening long‑term capabilities despite short‑term disarray [4][5]. The timing coincides with the U.S. 2026 National Defense Strategy release and an anticipated April visit by former President Donald Trump, heightening regional security concerns [2].
Sources (6 articles)
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[1]
BBC: China’s PLA leadership shrinks to two after weekend purge: Details the investigation of Zhang and Liu, the CMC’s reduction to Xi and Zhang Shengmin, and analysts’ speculation on motives and Taiwan impact .
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[2]
Newsweek: Xi’s Investigation of Top General Sparks Coup Debate: Highlights the defense‑ministry probe, ideological accusations in PLA Daily, and divergent views on whether the purge signals a coup attempt or a graft‑focused power grab .
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[3]
CNN: Xi Jinping Investigates Top Generals, Consolidates Military Control: Reports the same investigations, notes the unprecedented two‑member CMC, cites alleged nuclear data leak, and links the purge to Taiwan strategy and U.S. defense posture .
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[4]
AP: China Investigates Top Generals in Sweeping Military Purge: Confirms the probe, emphasizes the CMC’s reshaping, places the action within a broader anti‑corruption drive, and discusses possible effects on Taiwan policy and future commission appointments .
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[5]
BBC: China probes top military leaders amid anti‑corruption drive: Announces the investigations, describes the CMC’s shrinkage, and underscores the anti‑corruption campaign’s reach into the PLA .
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[6]
AP: China’s top military general investigated amid ongoing purge: Reiterates Zhang’s investigation, contextualizes it within a series of recent expulsions, and notes the U.S. defense strategy framing China as a major military challenge .
Timeline
2012 – Xi Jinping launches a sweeping anti‑corruption campaign that he later warns is “the biggest threat” to the Party if left unchecked, a drive that eventually expands to the armed forces and disciplines over a million officials. [7][2]
2023 – Xi’s anti‑graft push removes more than twenty senior PLA officers, creating a “state of disarray” among the military’s top ranks. [3]
2024 – Two former defence ministers are expelled on corruption charges, reinforcing the pattern of high‑level military purges. [6]
Oct 2025 – Party disciplinary authorities expel nine senior generals in one of the largest public crackdowns on the PLA in decades, signaling an intensifying purge. [2]
Oct 2025 – Vice‑chair of the Central Military Commission He Weidong is removed and replaced by Zhang Shengmin, further shrinking the CMC’s senior cadre. [6]
Dec 9, 2025 – A Tianjin court executes former China Huarong International Holdings general manager Bai Tianhui after a Supreme People’s Court review of a $157 million bribery case, underscoring the breadth of the anti‑corruption drive. [7]
Jan 24, 2026 – China’s Defence Ministry announces that General Zhang Youxia, senior vice‑chair of the CMC, and General Liu Zhenli, head of the Joint Staff Department, are under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law,” using the standard corruption euphemism. [2][6]
Jan 24, 2026 – The United States releases its 2026 National Defence Strategy, labeling China a “military power requiring deterrence” and calling for a stable peace rather than regime change. [6]
Jan 26, 2026 – PLA Daily editorial declares a “zero tolerance” stance, accusing Zhang and Liu of “seriously trampling on and undermining the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the Central Military Commission chairman.” Their removal leaves the CMC composed only of President Xi and General Zhang Shengmin, an unprecedented concentration of power. [1][3][4][5]
Jan 26, 2026 – Analysts quote Lyle Morris saying the PLA is “in disarray” and that the removals create a “major leadership void,” while others speculate the charges may mask a failed coup or internal power struggle. [1][4]
Jan 26, 2026 – The Wall Street Journal reports that Zhang is alleged to have leaked core nuclear data to the United States and taken bribes, though the claims remain unverified. [3][4]
Jan 26, 2026 – Experts warn the purge could temporarily weaken China’s ability to pressure Taiwan, but note that a leaner, more loyal command may ultimately strengthen long‑term capabilities; the timing coincides with the approach of the 2028 Taiwanese presidential election. [3][5]
Apr 2026 (planned) – Former President Donald Trump is slated to visit China, a development that could intersect with heightened regional security concerns following the PLA purge. [4]
2027 (expected) – Observers suggest Xi may wait until the 2027 selection of a new Communist Party Central Committee to fill the five vacant CMC seats, indicating the reshuffle could extend the current leadership vacuum. [5]
2028 (upcoming) – Taiwan’s presidential election is scheduled, a focal point for Beijing’s strategic calculations amid the ongoing military leadership turmoil. [3][4]
All related articles (7 articles)
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BBC: China’s PLA leadership shrinks to two after weekend purge
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Newsweek: Xi’s Investigation of Top General Sparks Coup Debate
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CNN: Xi Jinping Investigates Top Generals, Consolidates Military Control
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AP: China Investigates Top Generals in Sweeping Military Purge
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BBC: China probes top military leaders amid anti‑corruption drive
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AP: China’s top military general investigated amid ongoing purge
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The Hindu: Chinese financial firm's former top official executed in $157 million corruption case