China removes Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from Central Military Commission

China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee has formally removed Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from their positions on the state Central Military Commission (CMC). Zhang, the former Vice Chairman of the CMC and a member of the Politburo, was considered the second-most powerful figure in the military hierarchy. Liu Zhenli, a CMC member, previously served as Chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department.

The removals follow investigations into alleged “serious violations of discipline and law” that were first announced in January. Alongside their military removals, the committee also terminated their status as representatives of the National People's Congress.

Additionally, Zhong Shaojun, a former close aide to Xi Jinping and former Director of the CMC General Office, has been stripped of his National People's Congress membership. These high-level dismissals reflect significant shifts within the Chinese military leadership and the central government's efforts to enforce discipline and authority within the People's Liberation Army.