China dismisses two top military officials for corruption

China has officially expelled two senior military officials, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Communist Party and the armed forces due to severe violations of discipline and law. Zhang Youxia, who served as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and was considered one of President Xi Jinping’s closest allies, along with Liu Zhenli, the former head of the Joint Staff Department, were removed following investigations that began in January. The charges leveled against them include corruption, abuse of power, neglect of duty, and disloyalty to the Communist Party.

The removal of these officials, which was confirmed by the Politburo in late August, is viewed as part of a significant and ongoing reorganization within the Chinese military leadership. Reports from the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggest that over 100 senior officers have faced similar scrutiny. These dismissals occur shortly before critical diplomatic talks between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, signaling a major shift in the internal stability and management of the Chinese armed forces.