Trouble in China as President Xi removes top General

China’s President, Xi Jinping, has removed one of the country’s most senior military figures, deepening a sweeping purge that has reshaped the leadership of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and raised fresh questions about Beijing’s military readiness, particularly over Taiwan.

General Zhang Youxia, a vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and one of the most experienced commanders in the Chinese armed forces, was removed over alleged “violations of discipline and law,” according to official statements. No details of the accusations were provided.

Gen. Zhang’s removal marks one of the most significant developments in President Xi’s long-running anti-corruption campaign within the military, which has seen hundreds of senior officers investigated or dismissed since Xi came to power in 2012. The campaign has punished more than 200,000 officials across China’s political and military institutions.

At 75, Gen. Zhang was regarded as a key figure in the PLA’s modernisation drive and was one of the few remaining commanders with actual combat experience, having fought in the 1979 border war with Vietnam. He was also believed to be a long-time associate of President Xi, having known him since childhood.

Another senior officer, Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department, has also reportedly been placed under investigation, further shrinking the leadership of China’s top military body. The CMC, which once had a broader membership, is now reduced to just two members: President Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the military’s anti-corruption chief.

Analysts say the developments point to internal turbulence within the Chinese military, even as President Xi consolidates authority.

“The PLA may look strong in terms of equipment and technology, but leadership instability at the top creates serious operational challenges,” said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. He described the changes as the most extensive military purge in China since 1949 and warned that they could leave the armed forces in a state of disarray.

Some experts argue that the shake-up could complicate any near-term attempt by China to use force against Taiwan, citing the absence of experienced senior commanders to oversee complex military operations.

However, others interpret the purge as evidence of President Xi’s firm control over the Communist Party and the armed forces. Christopher K. Johnson, a former CIA analyst, noted that while China has made rapid progress in weapons development, it still faces challenges in conducting large-scale joint military operations.

Reports in recent years have hinted at internal disagreements within the military leadership, including differing views on the feasibility and timing of a Taiwan operation. Gen. Zhang was reportedly more cautious than President Xi on the issue, though such claims remain unconfirmed.