Xi Jinping orders removal of senior military officials in sweeping anti‑corruption purge

Chinese President Xi Jinping has overseen the dismissal and investigation of several top military leaders, most notably Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Yuxia, who was officially announced as under disciplinary review on 24 January 2026. The move is described as part of a broader anti‑corruption campaign that has targeted dozens of senior officers, including former vice chairmen and commanders of the Rocket Force, as well as former foreign and defence ministers.

The purge is portrayed as a decisive effort to eliminate an alleged “anti‑party group” and to consolidate party control over the armed forces. Analysts cited in the reports say the scale of the investigations exceeds that of previous decades, with more than 400 generals reportedly scrutinised since Xi assumed power. The actions have raised questions about the stability of the Chinese military hierarchy and the extent of Xi’s personal authority within the Communist Party.