Within the Armed Forces of China, an important personnel reform is brewing that could significantly change the country's leadership. According to The Wall Street Journal, General Zhang Yuxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, is under investigation.
During a closed briefing for senior military officials, serious accusations were voiced. The general is accused not only of large-scale corruption schemes and selling positions, including lobbying for the interests of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, but also of treason. According to sources, Zhang Yuxia is suspected of passing secret technical specifications of China's nuclear arsenal to the USA. Key evidence in this case was allegedly provided by the former head of the China National Nuclear Corporation.
In addition to espionage activities, the general is also accused of creating "political cliques," forming shadow networks of influence within the army, which undermined the unity of the party and the authority of Xi Jinping. The investigation has also affected Chief of the Joint Staff Liu Zhengli.
Experts believe that the removal of Zhang Yuxia will be the final stage of Xi's campaign to establish complete control over the military apparatus. The general held too much power, and his removal clears the political space of any potential opposition centers.
