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Zhang Youxia

The latest news on Chinese politician Zhang Youxia, including political stories and updates.

Born

Jul 1950

Industry

Politics, Military

Job Title

Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China

Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand at attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects their combat readiness via video link in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

China’s military

After Zhang Youxia’s downfall, PLA told to be more mindful of spending

State media also spotlights deep flaws in PLA’s readiness that have surfaced during country’s widening anti-corruption drive.

13 Feb 2026 - 12:40PMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

What is China’s Central Military Commission and how does it function?

13 Feb 2026 - 3:12PMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake

7 Feb 2026 - 8:48PMvideocam

China’s military drills

China’s military cracks down on training ‘fakery’ after Zhang Youxia’s ousting

PLA plans to crack down on ‘fakery that undermines combat capability’, soon after top generals placed under corruption investigation.

6 Feb 2026 - 8:49PMvideocam

The PLA plans to tackle “deep-seated problems” with its training and drills. Photo: Xinhua

Corruption in China

China expels defence officials from legislature amid corruption crackdown

Three senior executives removed from National People’s Congress without explanation could face disciplinary action or criminal charges.

5 Feb 2026 - 2:10AMvideocam

Corruption in China

What does the fall of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia say about Beijing’s Taiwan plans?

Investigations into China’s top military commanders have raised questions about the PLA’s battle readiness.

4 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

Corruption in China

Zhang Youxia probe to end ‘watered-down’ military capability: PLA Daily

Investigation and in-depth political rectification to bring in new atmosphere and positive spirit, commentary in official military paper says.

2 Feb 2026 - 8:03PMvideocam

The official PLA Daily has urged China’s armed forces to “resolutely carry on the fight against corruption through to the end”. Photo: Xinhua

Corruption in China

China’s military redoubles corruption fight in wake of Zhang Youxia’s downfall

PLA mouthpiece warns troops not to be blindly optimistic or totally pessimistic about winning the war against graft.

31 Jan 2026 - 8:56PMvideocam

South China Sea

China says Philippines is stoking tensions with Scarborough Shoal drill

Manila reportedly issued a notice warning of military exercises across a wide area of the South China Sea until the end of March.

30 Jan 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign

Former Inner Mongolia party chief, veterans minister investigated for corruption

Sun Shaocheng’s downfall is announced days after investigations into China’s top-ranking general Zhang Youxia.

30 Jan 2026 - 2:53PMvideocam

Sun Shaocheng, 65, is facing a disciplinary review and supervisory investigation by China’s top anti-corruption body the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Photo: Handout

Central Military Commission

‘Communist warrior’: China’s leaders pay tribute to late general Liao Xilong

Liao praised for his party loyalty just days after the downfall of the country’s top uniformed officer.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:08PMvideocam

Liao Xilong, a former top general in charge of the PLA’s logistics modernisation, died last Friday. Photo: Handout

China-Russia relations

China and Russia to bolster defence ties to counter risks

Call marks first ministerial-level exchange between Beijing and Moscow since US raid on Venezuela and Trump’s stronger words on Greenland.

27 Jan 2026 - 10:47PMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

China’s top general ousted in corruption investigation

The seven-seat Central Military Commission now only has two active members after the downfall of vice-chairman Zhang Youxia and fellow general Liu Zhenli.

26 Jan 2026 - 5:18PM

SCMP Highlights

Thailand’s Chinese weapons haul, Blackpink in Hong Kong: 5 weekend reads

From a rapid rise in solo living to Blackpink shows with a Hong Kong flair, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

26 Jan 2026 - 2:18PM

Fans of Blackpink take pictures with the billboards on the way to Kai Tak Stadium on January 24, 2026. Photo: Elson Li

China’s Communist Party

Why China’s swift ousting of Zhang Youxia is a warning from Xi on party purity

Seemingly risky move to oust two generals ahead of Communist Party congress and PLA centenary sends a message about anti-corruption drive.

26 Jan 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, has emphasised the need for “self-revolution” to fight corruption and ensure healthy governance. Photo: Xinhua

China-Russia relations

Missile defence in focus as China, Russia generals pledge deeper cooperation

Zhang Youxia and Russian counterpart discuss collaboration ‘blueprint’ in Moscow as US pushes Golden Dome, nuclear weapons testing.

21 Nov 2025 - 7:32PMvideocam

China’s fourth plenum

How Xi’s ongoing battle against PLA corruption shapes China’s military future

The fight against graft in the armed forces is set to become one of the national priorities for the next five years.

14 Nov 2025 - 9:54AMvideocam

China’s fourth plenum

PLA urged to ‘live a tight life’ as top officials elaborate on 5-year plan

Senior Chinese general calls for cutting training, management and equipment support costs while improving procurement.

6 Nov 2025 - 5:00AM

A foot formation marches through Tiananmen Square during a military parade in Beijing, China on September 3. Photo: Xinhua

China’s fourth plenum

China’s top general vows to crack down on ‘fake loyalty’ and ‘two-faced men’

Zhang Youxia calls for military to eliminate ‘poisonous influences and long-standing problems’ and to accelerate weapons development.

5 Nov 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

China’s military

China will work with Singapore on regional stability, top military officer says

Beijing’s most senior general meets the Singaporean defence minister on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

18 Sep 2025 - 4:38AM

China's military weapons

Will Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopters now power Pakistan’s military?

Social media posts suggest Pakistan has received a shipment of advanced aircraft similar to helicopter China has deployed near Indian border.

2 Aug 2025 - 10:00PM

Images posted online over the past week show a Chinese-made combat helicopter bearing the words “Pakistan Army”. Photo: Weibo/ lyman2003

China's military weapons

Indonesia considers buying Chinese J-10 jets that played lead role in Kashmir

The country’s deputy defence minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto said the planes ‘meet our criteria and are affordable’.

5 Jun 2025 - 7:30PMvideocam

Pakistan Air Force J-10C fighter jets. Photo: AFP

Corruption in China

Chinese military leaders urge war readiness ahead of Lunar New Year

During visits to PLA units, top-ranked CMC vice-chairmen pledge to fight corruption and strengthen combat abilities.

27 Jan 2025 - 6:09PM

China’s military drills

China and Pakistan talk security as they target terrorism against belt and road

Top Chinese military official meets Pakistani counterpart in wake of attacks against Chinese interests in the South Asian country.

28 Nov 2024 - 11:40PMvideocam

China’s military

China, Saudi military cooperation on ‘fast track’ as top defence officials meet

Riyadh’s Khalid bin Salman holds meetings with China’s top generals during relations-building visit to Beijing.

26 Jun 2024 - 5:44PM

China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun welcomes his Saudi counterpart Prince Khalid bin Salman to Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: X/@modgovksa

Two Sessions 2024

Chinese general calls for crackdown on ‘fake combat capabilities’ in military

He Weidong’s message seen to be related to weapons procurement and problems with training.

11 Mar 2024 - 5:47PMvideocam

107

General He Weidong, China’s No 3 military official, took aim at “fake combat capabilities”. Photo: CCTV

Science

Does China need a data bureau to support its ever-growing satellite networks?

A CPPCC member has suggested the creation of an agency to coordinate information being gathered by the devices.

8 Mar 2024 - 6:00PMvideocam

China’s military

How Beijing-hosted navy forum could take China-US military ties to a new level

The Western Pacific Naval Symposium will be held in Qingdao in April, the first time China has hosted for a decade.

1 Feb 2024 - 9:50AMvideocam

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