Zhang Youxia, a top Chinese general and Xi Jinping’s deputy commander, is being investigated for serious disciplinary violations, including alleged nuclear information leaks to the United States and bribery. The Ministry of Defense announced the probe, citing serious breaches of party discipline and law. Zhang, a veteran of Vietnam border conflicts and a key figure in China’s military modernization, has not been seen publicly since a 20 November 2025 meeting with the Russian defence minister in Moscow. The investigation follows the earlier removal of Vice‑Chairman He Weidong for corruption. While Beijing says ongoing operations will not be disrupted, the purge is said to affect armament procurement and modernization programmes. China meanwhile maintains a hard line in the South and East China Seas and around Taiwan, conducting its biggest military exercises to date near the island.

Original article can be found here.