**Title: China Expels Two High-Ranking Military Leaders Amid Anti-Corruption Campaign**
**Date: September 21, 2026**
China has expelled two senior military generals from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as part of an ongoing anti-corruption initiative led by President Xi Jinping. The officials, General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli, were dismissed on allegations of corruption and serious misconduct, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
The official announcement, made on Monday, outlined that both generals had "seriously violated political discipline and political rules," and were accused of forming cliques and factions within the military. They were also described as being "disloyal and dishonest to the party." However, specific details regarding the nature of their alleged misconduct have not been disclosed.
General Zhang Youxia, previously the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was regarded as a close ally of President Xi. His long-standing position within the military hierarchy made his expulsion particularly notable. General Liu Zhenli served as a member of the CMC and was the chief of staff of its Joint Staff Department.
The investigations into Zhang and Liu were initiated in January 2026, and both were removed from their military positions by late August. Their expulsion marks a significant development in Xi's extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has seen thousands of officials purged and millions investigated across various levels of the Chinese bureaucracy. This crackdown is considered one of the largest anti-corruption efforts in modern Chinese history, targeting not only military officials but also high-profile political rivals.
In June 2024, the campaign had already led to the expulsion of Defence Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor, highlighting the military's increasing vulnerability to scrutiny under Xi's administration. Following the recent dismissals, only two active members remain on the CMC, which was once a seven-member body, with Xi himself serving as its chairman.
The timing of these expulsions is particularly significant, occurring just days before President Xi is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Additionally, the announcements come in the lead-up to a crucial Communist Party assembly focused on internal governance, suggesting that the leadership is keen to project a strong stance against corruption ahead of these high-profile diplomatic engagements.
As the anti-corruption campaign continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the military's structure and the broader political landscape in China. The expulsion of such high-ranking officials underscores the ongoing challenges within the CCP as it seeks to maintain control and integrity amidst widespread allegations of corruption.