China expels two top generals over disloyalty, corruption

Liu Zhenli: Liu Zhenli is a high-ranking Chinese military official who served as a member of the Central Military Commission and chief of staff of its Joint Staff Department. He faced joint expulsion with Zhang Youxia over accusations of forming cliques, disloyalty, and corruption. Official probes into both officers began earlier in the year, leading to their removal from the commission in late August. Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping serves as President of China and top leader of the Communist Party, with direct oversight of the Central Military Commission. Zhang Youxia was previously his key military deputy, while the expulsions target alleged disloyalty within that structure. The developments coincide with Xi's upcoming travel to the US for talks with President Donald Trump. Zhang Youxia: Zhang Youxia is a senior Chinese military officer who served as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, acting as second-in-command to President Xi Jinping. He has long been regarded as one of Xi's closest military allies and held additional roles including Politburo membership. The news details his expulsion from the Communist Party and military for serious violations of discipline and law, including disloyalty and corruption. Chinese Communist Party: The Chinese Communist Party is the ruling political organization in China responsible for overseeing state and military affairs. It has expelled Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli citing serious political and economic violations intertwined with dereliction of duty. The action aligns with the party's focus on internal discipline ahead of a scheduled October conclave. Central Military Commission: The Central Military Commission functions as China's supreme military command authority under Communist Party leadership. It lost Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and member Liu Zhenli following accusations of factionalism and abuse of office. The body remains central to military governance amid the party's broader disciplinary actions. Anti-Corruption Campaign: Chinese leadership has pursued investigations into military officials for intertwined political and economic violations ahead of major party events. Leadership Transition Timing: The expulsions occur days before President Xi Jinping's planned US visit and weeks prior to an October party meeting on governance. Military Discipline Emphasis: Official statements highlight violations of political rules and formation of factions as crossing red lines in party and military conduct.