Top Chinese General's Downfall Stirs US Uncertainty on China's Military Leadership

• The downfall of General Zhang Youxia, second-in-command of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), has removed a key US contact within Beijing's top military body.
• Zhang's dismissal is part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption crackdown within the armed forces, raising concerns about the lack of experienced commanders in the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Former US officials and analysts express shock, noting Zhang was a respected figure who facilitated crucial military-to-military communications during the Biden administration.
• Zhang, one of the few leading officers with combat experience, was seen as a competent adviser to Xi, and his absence could lead to miscalculation due to less objective advice.
• The US seeks continued communication with China's military, but American officials prioritize contact with CMC vice chairs over the Defense Ministry, which lacks command authority.

Why It Matters: The removal of General Zhang Youxia creates uncertainty for the US regarding China's military leadership and communication channels.