BEIJING: China on Saturday announced that two of its most senior military officials are under investigation for suspected “serious violations of discipline”, a phrase commonly used to signal corruption probes.
The defence ministry said an investigation had been launched into Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), and Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the CMC’s joint staff department.
The ministry added that the two were suspected of violations of both party discipline and the law, according to AFP.
Zhang Youxia, 75, is China’s highest-ranking general and a member of the Communist Party’s influential Politburo. He serves as one of the vice chairmen of the CMC, which is chaired by President Xi Jinping. Liu, 61, plays a key role in overseeing combat planning within the Chinese military.
Speculation about the probe intensified earlier this week after both men were absent from an official meeting chaired by Xi, fueling rumours of disciplinary action.
The investigations are the latest development in President Xi’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has targeted officials across the party, government and military since he came to power more than a decade ago. Xi has repeatedly described corruption as the “biggest threat” facing the Communist Party.
In recent months, China has stepped up scrutiny of the armed forces. In October, authorities said nine military officials were under investigation, and two top generals were expelled from the military.
Former defence ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe have also been removed from the party over alleged corruption.
While supporters say the campaign strengthens discipline and governance, critics argue it is also used to sideline political rivals within the party and military.
