The Fall from Grace: President Xi’s Former Top Military Deputy Under Investigation
In a striking development within China’s military hierarchy, General Zhang Youxia, once considered President Xi Jinping’s most trusted military deputy, has now found himself added to the growing roster of high-ranking military officers facing investigation. This revelation marks yet another chapter in Xi’s ongoing campaign to consolidate control and root out what the Chinese leadership describes as corruption within the People’s Liberation Army. As Xi’s second-in-command in military affairs and a long-time ally, Zhang’s investigation signals that no one, regardless of personal connections or previous loyalty, remains beyond scrutiny in contemporary China.
General Zhang’s relationship with President Xi spanned decades, with connections dating back to their fathers who served together in the revolutionary era. This shared history had seemingly positioned Zhang as an unassailable figure within Xi’s inner circle of military advisors. His credentials were impeccable – as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, he stood directly beneath Xi in the chain of command, wielding enormous influence over China’s armed forces and defense policy. Zhang’s military expertise, combined with his personal loyalty to Xi, made him appear to be the epitome of a secure political position in a system where allegiances and personal connections often determine one’s fate.
The investigation into General Zhang joins a sweeping pattern of probes targeting the upper echelons of China’s military establishment. Since Xi Jinping assumed leadership, dozens of generals and admirals have fallen under investigation, with many subsequently removed from their positions and some facing severe legal consequences. This purge has been particularly intense within certain branches, including the Rocket Force responsible for China’s nuclear arsenal, where several commanders have been detained in recent months. While officially framed as an anti-corruption campaign, many observers view these investigations as serving the dual purpose of eliminating potential rivals and ensuring absolute loyalty to Xi’s leadership throughout the military hierarchy.
Political analysts suggest Zhang’s investigation likely stems from broader concerns within Xi’s inner circle regarding potential resistance to his policies or the formation of competing power centers. Despite their historical ties, even figures as prominent as Zhang have discovered that personal relationships provide limited protection in an environment where demonstrating complete allegiance to Xi has become paramount. The timing raises questions about possible connections to other ongoing investigations or whether Zhang may have fallen victim to internal power struggles among competing factions seeking to gain favor with the president. Whatever the specific cause, his case underscores the precarious nature of power in China’s political system, where today’s trusted deputy can become tomorrow’s investigated official.
For China’s military officers, Zhang’s case sends a chilling message that reinforces the consequences of any perceived disloyalty or independent power base. The psychological impact extends beyond those directly investigated, creating an atmosphere where officers at all levels must constantly demonstrate their unwavering support for Xi’s leadership while avoiding any appearance of building personal networks that might be interpreted as challenging the established order. This environment inevitably affects military decision-making and institutional cohesion, as leaders become increasingly focused on political survival rather than professional development or strategic innovation. Some experts worry this could ultimately undermine China’s military effectiveness despite the substantial modernization efforts underway.
The broader implications of Zhang’s investigation extend to China’s international relations and domestic governance. For foreign governments and military leaders who may have developed working relationships with Zhang, his sudden removal creates uncertainty about continuity in China’s defense policies and diplomatic engagements. Domestically, the ongoing purges reflect Xi’s determination to maintain absolute control over all levers of power, particularly the military, which he views as essential to both national security and regime stability. As the list of investigated generals continues to grow, including those once considered untouchable due to personal connections with Xi himself, China’s political landscape increasingly reflects a system where loyalty must be continuously proven and no position, regardless of its apparent security, can be taken for granted.
