China formalizes removal of two top military leaders amid sweeping discipline campaign

China has officially removed two prominent generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the Central Military Commission (CMC), the nation's paramount military decision-making body. This move is the latest development in an extensive disciplinary campaign that has been targeting the upper ranks of the People's Liberation Army for months. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress confirmed the decision, formally dismissing Zhang from his role as vice-chairman and Liu as a member of the state CMC.

Following these dismissals, the official composition of the CMC reflects a significant reduction in its leadership. The state CMC's website now lists President Xi Jinping as its head, with Zhang Shengmin as the sole vice-chairman. A parallel, politically more influential CMC of the Communist Party of China (CPC) also shows a similar structure. Zhang Youxia was previously one of the highest-ranking military officials in the country, holding the vice-chairmanship, while Liu Zhenli served as the chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC.

Both generals were reportedly under investigation for "serious violations of discipline and law," a common euphemism in China for corruption cases. The official military newspaper had previously published commentary accusing Zhang and Liu of betraying the Party's trust, undermining its absolute control over the armed forces, and damaging the military's image. While official communications have not detailed the specific reasons for their dismissals, the context points towards a broader anti-corruption drive aimed at reinforcing discipline, political loyalty, and combat readiness within the military.

The departure of Zhang and Liu leaves the CMC with only two members, Xi and Zhang Shengmin, down from seven at the start of the current political cycle following the 20th CPC National Congress in 2022. Zhang Shengmin, who oversees disciplinary affairs within the military, was elevated to vice-chairman last October. This shake-up is part of Beijing's ongoing anti-corruption efforts, which have ensnared former defense ministers, senior military officers, and officials in the defense industry, presented by the government as essential for strengthening the military's integrity and effectiveness.