China places top general under investigation in Xi’s sweeping military purge

China’s top general Zhang Youxia and CMC chief of staff Liu Zhenli are under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and the law,” marking a major escalation in Xi Jinping’s military purge. The Central Military Commission now has only two members: President Xi and General Zhang Shengmin, after all six uniformed commanders appointed in 2022 were removed. Analysts say Zhang’s removal is one of the most significant military purges in decades, reflecting Xi’s efforts to consolidate control and eliminate rivals within the PLA.