Story perspectives

China expels top CMC officials over corruption and disloyalty

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 11:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

China expelled Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and the PLA on Sept 21, 2026.
Zhang was a Central Military Commission vice-chairman and Liu a CMC Joint Staff chief.
State media said they formed cliques, were disloyal, and violated political discipline.
Investigators found they accepted large sums, used positions for promotions, and broke party rules.
Their cases were sent to military procuratorial bodies for legal review and prosecution.

History

Historical Context

Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive, launched after he took power in 2012, first toppled CMC vice-chairman Guo Boxiong, the fourth 17th-Politburo member expelled on 30 July 2015 and sentenced to life in 2016. The campaign continued, leading to the September 21 2026 expulsion of senior generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, underscoring the Party’s relentless control over the PLA.

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Story summary

China expelled Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the Communist Party and the PLA on Sept 21, 2026.
Zhang was a Central Military Commission vice-chairman and Liu a CMC Joint Staff chief.
State media said they formed cliques, were disloyal, and violated political discipline.
Investigators found they accepted large sums, used positions for promotions, and broke party rules.
Their cases were sent to military procuratorial bodies for legal review and prosecution.

1 / 2