Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Xi Jinping Purges China's Top Military Leaders
China's leader, Xi Jinping, is removing top military leaders, including Zhang Youxia, who is very important in the army.
They are being investigated for doing bad things, like taking bribes.
This is a big deal because it's the largest removal of military leaders since Mao Zedong's time.
Xi started this cleanup in 2012 to stop corruption in the army.
Recently, he has been removing leaders who might not agree with his plans to take over Taiwan by 2027.
Xi says that China will definitely take control of Taiwan, and he is getting rid of anyone who might slow him down.
Zhang Youxia, China's second-most powerful military figure, is under investigation for 'serious violations of discipline and law'.
The purge of top military leaders is the largest since Mao Zedong's era, leaving only two members in the Central Military Commission.
Xi Jinping's military purge began in 2012 and intensified in 2023, targeting the PLA Rocket Force.
Differences over Taiwan invasion plans may have contributed to Zhang Youxia's removal.
Xi Jinping reiterated China's 'unstoppable' reunification with Taiwan on January 1.
- Who
- Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, top Chinese military leaders, are under investigation.
- What
- Xi Jinping is purging China's top military leadership, allegedly for corruption.
- When
- The purge began in 2012 and intensified in 2023.
- Where
- The events are taking place in China, involving the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
- Why
- The official reason is corruption, but differences over Taiwan invasion plans may also be a factor.
- Zhang Youxia
- China's second-most powerful military figure and highest-ranking general with combat experience.
- Liu Zhenli
- Fellow Central Military Commission member under investigation alongside Zhang Youxia.
- Central Military Commission (CMC)
- Seven-member body with supreme authority over China's 2-million-strong People's Liberation Army (PLA).
- Purge Timeline
- Xi Jinping's military purge began in 2012 and intensified in 2023, targeting the PLA Rocket Force.
- Taiwan Invasion Deadline
- US intelligence suggests Xi Jinping aims for a Taiwan invasion by 2027.
- Xi Jinping's Taiwan Pledge
- Reiterated on January 1, stating China's 'reunification' with Taiwan is 'unstoppable'.
