China expels two senior generals over alleged disloyalty and corruption

China’s Communist Party has expelled two senior military leaders, General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli, from both the party and the People’s Liberation Army. The move was announced by state media after investigations that began in January and concluded with their removal from active military duties in late August.

According to official statements, the two generals “seriously violated political discipline and political rules, formed cliques and factions, and were disloyal and dishonest to the party.” No further details of the alleged misconduct or corruption were disclosed in the announcement.

Zhang Youxia had long been regarded as a close ally of President Xi Jinping, serving as the second‑in‑command of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the nation’s highest military authority. Liu Zhenli was a member of the CMC and held the post of chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department, a key position within the armed forces hierarchy.

The expulsions are part of an ongoing anti‑corruption drive that has increasingly targeted senior military officials. In June 2024, Defence Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor were also removed from the party. More than a year later, the latest purge eliminated the second‑highest‑ranking general and eight other senior officers, leaving only two active members—including President Xi—on the formerly seven‑member CMC.

The announcement was made days before President Xi is scheduled to meet with the President of the United States, underscoring the timing of the disciplinary action amid heightened diplomatic engagement.