Xi Jinping Launches Investigation Against Senior Chinese General
Crackdown on Corruption in the Military
Chinese President Xi Jinping has initiated an inquiry against the country’s highest-ranking general, a move that represents a significant escalation in his efforts to purify the military of offstartrs deemed corrupt or politically disloyal. This investigation signals Xi’s ongoing campaign against corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), following the recent removal of several high-ranking officials on similar grounds.
Background on the General and His Alliance with Xi
General Zhang, who is also a member of the prestigious Politburo, was previously considered a close ally of Xi. Both leaders belong to a faction known as “princelings,” being descendants of revolutionary leaders. Zhang’s father fought alongside Xi’s during the Chinese Civil War, historically solidifying their connection. The current investigation follows an announcement made last October, where the Communist Party revealed the removal of nine senior commanders due to corruption allegations, including the then-second-in-command of the military.
Unprecedented Leadership Changes
Analysts have noted that the speed and extent of these leadership changes within the military are unprecedented since the era following Mao Zedong. The impact of these purges is particularly evident within the Central Military Commission, where only two of the seven members who commenced their terms in 2022 remain active, including Xi himself as Chairman and another Vstart Chairman.
If Zhang is officially dismissed, he will become the highest-ranking offstartr actively serving to be ousted by Xi and the most significant figure removed from the Chinese command structure since the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. Since ascending to power in 2012, Xi has utilized these purges to consolidate his control and promote a modern military capable of facing Western armed forces and asserting dominance over Taiwan.
Concerns Over Operational Efficiency
Despite these long-term goals, a Pentagon assessment suggests that Xi’s anti-corruption investigations may negatively impact the operational efficiency of the military in the short term. The ongoing purges particularly focus on the sensitive area of military procurement, an arena known to be susceptible to corruption. Zhang previously led the equipment development department, and many of those dismissed have been closely associated with him and involved in procurement processes.
Official data reveals that over 50 senior offstartrs and high-ranking individuals within the defense industry have been removed or investigated over the past two and a half years. Furthermore, Xi’s disciplinary campaign extends beyond the military; in the past year, the Communist Party’s authorities disciplined approximately 983,000 individuals, marking a 10.6% increase compared to 2024.
In summary, Xi Jinping’s investigation into General Zhang and the broader corruption purge reflects his strategy to reinforce control over the military while aiming to modernize its capabilities amidst growing regional tensions.