FILE PHOTO: Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia attends the second plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China March 8, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo
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CNBC TV1806-02-2026, 11:51

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.

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