China’s Top Military Leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli Under Investigation for Serious Violations

The bedrock of China’s military leadership is shaking. In a sudden announcement on Saturday evening, January 24, 2026, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli are being investigated for "serious violations of discipline and law."

Significance of the Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli Investigation

Zhang Youxia isn't just any officer—he's the first-ranked vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), making him the highest-ranking uniformed soldier in China. He also holds a seat on the elite 24-man Politburo. Alongside him, Liu Zhenli, the chief of the Joint Staff Department, is also under the spotlight. The ministry stated that the decision to initiate the probe came after deliberation by the CPC Central Committee.

This double-targeted investigation sends shockwaves through the People's Liberation Army. It's rare to see two such high-profile figures, especially those considered close to President Xi Jinping, facing public scrutiny simultaneously. While "serious violations" is often a euphemism for corruption, the political implications suggest a much deeper cleaning of the military's top ranks.

Implications for Military Stability

With the Joint Staff chief and the CMC’s top vice-chairman sidelined, the Chinese military faces a leadership vacuum at a critical time. Analysts suggest this move might be linked to ongoing efforts to ensure absolute loyalty to the party's command or to address systemic issues within the defense procurement and personnel systems.