Xi Jinping's Sweeping Purge: Closest Military Ally General Zhang Youxia Dismissed

• General Zhang Youxia, Xi Jinping’s closest military ally and a top PLA commander, has been dismissed for “serious violations of discipline and law”.
• Zhang’s removal is part of a wider purge within the PLA, affecting officers in key strategic commands like nuclear forces and Taiwan operations.
• The shake-up has significantly weakened the Central Military Commission (CMC), the PLA’s top decision-making body, consolidating Xi’s power.
• While officially an anti-corruption drive, analysts suggest political loyalty and tighter central control are key motives behind the purges.
• Observers believe the purge raises concerns about military cohesion and institutional expertise, emphasizing Xi’s absolute authority.