General Zhang Youxia, one of the most powerful figures in the Chinese military and for years Xi Jinping's most trusted man, has been placed under investigation for violating the law and political discipline. His downfall is considered one of the biggest blows in the Chinese leader's internal purges, shaking Beijing's military and political elite.
Zhang, a war veteran and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, was seen as Xi’s right-hand man in reforming the military. Former U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that during a meeting in 2024, the general seemed confident and spoke openly, as if he were unafraid of political repercussions. He called his ouster “a seismic event,” noting that the fact that Xi has targeted such a longtime ally raises many questions.
Media and analysts suggest that the charges against Zhang are more political than corruption. The official military newspaper accused him of “undermining the authority of the military chief,” Xi Jinping, and of undermining the Party’s leadership over the armed forces. Meanwhile, unofficial reports have also raised allegations of leaking nuclear secrets, which remain unconfirmed.
Zhang and Xi are both “princely sons” (a Chinese term), sons of revolutionaries from the Mao Zedong era, and Xi had kept the general in office well past retirement age. If the charges are formalized, he could face a secret military trial, where conviction is considered almost certain.
Analysts warn that his downfall could have strategic consequences, as Zhang was seen as one of the most realistic commanders about the risks of a conflict with the US and Taiwan. His blow shows that in Xi Jinping's system no one is untouchable and that the internal struggle for power is entering an even fiercer phase.
