Beijing, Jan 25 (NationPress) China has revealed that the highest-ranking uniformed officer in its military, along with another individual, is under investigation for suspected grave violations of discipline and law, a phrase commonly associated with corruption, according to a media report.

An inquiry has been initiated regarding General Zhang Youxia, who serves as the senior Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), alongside General Liu Zhenli, a member of the CMC and the head of the Joint Staff Department responsible for overseeing combat planning, The Japan Times reported, referencing a statement from the Chinese Defence Ministry. The CMC directs China’s military under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, who holds the position of Chairman.

The official statement from the ministry did not specify the reasons for the investigation into Generals Zhang and Liu. However, an editorial in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily provided some context regarding the investigation.

The editorial criticized Zhang and Liu, asserting that they had undermined Xi’s authority as the CMC chief and contributed to political and corruption issues that threaten the party’s command over the armed forces and hampered efforts to enhance combat readiness.

“Their actions have severely tarnished the image and authority of the CMC leadership and have gravely damaged the political and ideological cohesion among all military personnel,” quoted The Japan Times. The alleged misconduct is said to have had an “extremely negative impact” on the party, the nation, and the military.

Following the initiation of the probe into Zhang and Liu, the CMC is now left with only two members: Xi and General Zhang Shengmin, who is not related to Zhang Youxia and oversees the military’s anti-corruption investigations. Zhang Shengmin took his position in the CMC after He Weidong's dismissal last October, as reported by The Japan Times.

This investigation marks another chapter in the series of inquiries initiated by President Xi into the military since he took office in 2012. He referred to corruption as the “greatest threat” to the ruling Communist Party last January, while acknowledging that the battle against corruption remains a “serious and complex challenge.”

In October of last year, China disclosed that it had begun investigating several military officials and dismissed Gen He Weidong, a Vice Chairman of the CMC, along with Admiral Miao Hua, who heads its political work department, according to the report.

Previously, China expelled former Defence Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, from the party in 2024 due to corruption allegations.