A significant personnel purge is brewing in the Chinese armed forces, which could radically change the power dynamics in the leadership. According to The Wall Street Journal, one of the leading military leaders, General Zhang Yuxia, who is the deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission and a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, is under suspicion.
During a closed briefing for senior officers, accusations were voiced that are truly shocking. The general is charged not only with major corruption and the sale of positions (including lobbying for former Defense Minister Li Shangfu) but also with treason. Sources claim that Zhang Yuxia is suspected of transferring secret technical data about China's nuclear arsenal to the United States. Key evidence, reportedly, was provided by the former head of the China National Nuclear Corporation.
In addition to the espionage charges, the general is also accused of "forming political cliques," which implies the creation of shadow networks of influence within the military that undermine the unity of the Communist Party and the centralized leadership of Xi Jinping. The investigation also involves the Chief of the Joint Staff, Liu Zhengli.
Experts believe that the fall of Zhang Yuxia will mark the final stage of Chairman Xi's campaign to establish complete control over the military structure. The general held excessive power, and his removal opens up political space from potential opposition centers.
