Chinese Communist Party Boots Senior Generals Over Graft Allegations

State media in China confirmed on Monday that two prominent military figures, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, have been removed from the governing Communist Party. This decision follows investigations spanning several months into what authorities termed "serious violations of the law."

Zhang Youxia, notably, was the highest-ranking general in China, serving as the more senior of the two vice chairmen on the Central Military Commission. Back in January, the defence ministry had indicated that both Youxia and Zhenli were under suspicion for "serious violations of discipline and the law," a phrase often used to denote corruption. This move aligns with President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign that has been a hallmark of his administration. However, many observers were taken aback by Youxia's downfall, especially considering his high rank and his perceived close relationship with President Xi.

Further details of their alleged wrongdoings were disclosed by the state news agency Xinhua, which reported that the cases involved "exceptionally large sums of money." A high-level meeting of officials in Beijing on Monday concluded with the "decision to expel" the duo from the Communist Party. Their files have now been handed over to the military's legal department for further examination and potential prosecution, according to Xinhua.

The investigation uncovered that Youxia and Zhenli had "become disloyal to the party… and crossed red lines." Xinhua detailed a range of offenses, including the formation of factions and the acceptance of substantial financial benefits for personal enrichment. The report also cited findings that the two officers "used their positions to help others in matters such as job promotion."

The party's Central Committee will need to ratify their expulsion during a plenary session. Xinhua emphasized that Monday's action "reaffirms the firm position that… there is absolutely no place for corrupt elements to hide within the military." It's worth noting that Youxia and Zhenli had already been removed from their roles within the state Central Military Commission just last month.