China has removed two senior generals from the state Central Military Commission amid investigations into suspected serious violations of discipline and law.General Zhang Youxia served as a CMC vice-chairman and was also a member of the Communist Party’s influential Politburo. General Liu Zhenli was a commission member and headed the Joint Staff Department.Their removal leaves only two active members, including President Xi Jinping, on a state commission that previously had seven members. The unusually small leadership structure represents a major change at the highest level of China’s armed forces.
Twelve additional officials, including individuals linked to the military and defence sector, also lost their seats in the National People’s Congress.
Chinese authorities had not immediately clarified whether Zhang and Liu had also been removed from their positions on the Communist Party’s parallel Central Military Commission.Why it matters: The removal of two of China’s most senior military officers could affect command continuity, strategic decision-making and Xi Jinping’s continuing effort to strengthen control over the armed forces.
