China’s top general Zhang Youxia investigated for leaking nuclear secrets to US, accepting bribes

China’s top general Zhang Youxia investigated for leaking nuclear secrets to US, accepting bribes

• China's top general Zhang Youxia probed for corruption, leaking nuclear secrets
• General Liu Zhenli also investigated for discipline violations in the military
• Xi Jinping's anti-corruption probe targets China's armed forces.

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China’s highest-ranking uniformed officer, General Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), is under investigation for alleged corruption and for leaking sensitive nuclear weapons information to the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported. The probe also includes General Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the CMC’s Joint Staff Department.

The Ministry of National Defense announced the investigation on Saturday, citing “serious violations of discipline and law,” without providing additional details.

Observers note that the scrutiny of Zhang and Liu represents an unprecedented shake-up of the current CMC and is seen as part of President Xi Jinping’s broader effort to enforce party discipline ahead of the People’s Liberation Army’s 100th anniversary next year.

What are the allegations against him? 

Sources familiar with a closed-door briefing for senior military officers, reported by the Journal, revealed serious accusations against Zhang. These include leaking “core technical data” from China’s nuclear arsenal to the United States, accepting bribes for promotions, forming political cliques within the CMC, and abusing his authority over military operations and procurement. Analysts suggest that these allegations point to systemic corruption within China’s military hierarchy.

The investigation is reportedly linked to a previous probe into Gu Jun, the former head of China National Nuclear Corp., which oversees China’s civilian and military nuclear programs. Reports indicate that the corruption may involve approving promotions in exchange for bribes, particularly in the military procurement system.

Zhang’s role in the PLA

At 75, Zhang has been considered a close ally of President Xi Jinping and one of the most influential figures in the People’s Liberation Army’s senior command. He has combat experience in border conflicts with Vietnam in 1979 and 1984 and was retained in the CMC beyond the usual retirement age, underscoring Xi’s reliance on him.

In a statement to the Journal, Chinese Embassy spokesman Liu Pengyu described the probe as a demonstration of the Communist Party’s “full-coverage, zero-tolerance approach to combating corruption.”

Implications for China’s Military

While allegations of nuclear data leaks have not been officially confirmed, the investigation is viewed as part of President Xi’s wider campaign to consolidate control over the PLA and root out entrenched networks of influence. Experts warn that removing such senior officers could temporarily affect military readiness, although it reinforces the Communist Party’s authority over the armed forces.

The probe has sparked speculation both within China and internationally, particularly due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the potential implications for regional security. It highlights the ongoing anti-corruption drive within the PLA, which has already led to the removal or investigation of more than 50 senior military officers and defense executives since 2023.