What are the opinions of international media on this matter, and what potential consequences do leading publications suggest? This is discussed in the article by 24.kg.
Unforeseen Events
Reuters reports that Chinese authorities have initiated an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, who held the position of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission—one of the key figures in the country's military. According to The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, he is accused of leaking information about China's nuclear program to the United States. Additionally, he is suspected of corrupt activities, including accepting bribes and lobbying for an officer's appointment as Minister of Defense. Zhang was a close ally of Chairman Xi Jinping and a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, notes WSJ.Additional Materials
Chinese general accused of leaking data about China's nuclear program to the U.S. — Media
The publication reports that at a recent meeting, the general was accused of attempting to create a coalition threatening the unity of the party. Zhang also headed the agency responsible for the development and procurement of military equipment, and, as sources from WSJ claim, he promised career advancement in exchange for bribes.
The Ministry of Defense of China previously announced the start of an investigation into Zhang Youxia for "serious violations of discipline and law." In this context, a high-ranking general, Liu Zhenli, has also come under scrutiny. According to Russian "Vedomosti," the current "purges" in the leadership of the People's Liberation Army are among the most extensive in recent years.
As noted by the authors of Forbes.ru, Zhang Youxia's removal may signal the growing influence of party control over the military.
Commentators emphasize that Zhang's departure, respected both domestically and internationally, demonstrates that no one is safe, even close associates. This sentiment is echoed by the South China Morning Post.
"The absence of influential military leaders around Xi Jinping indicates the complete subordination of the army to the party elite, which reduces the chances of independent centers of influence emerging within China," the publication asserts.
Different Views on Consequences
Various experts assess the risks and consequences of these personnel changes differently. According to Reuters, in the short term, sharp changes in leadership may reduce the likelihood of an immediate military conflict with Taiwan by decreasing readiness and concern over disagreements among the top brass."However, this also creates an unpredictable situation: Xi's centralized decision-making without strong advisors may increase the likelihood of unilateral and less considered decisions at critical moments," the agency emphasizes.
The same article includes a reaction from Taiwan, where authorities stated that they "will continue to closely monitor the situation and will not weaken defenses, even with changes in Chinese command."
The publication Sinioinsider notes that a decrease in the number of experienced generals could weaken military command, which, in turn, negatively affects the effectiveness of strategic planning.
Some media outlets, such as Probe International, citing their sources, report that junior officers are beginning to ignore orders and express dissatisfaction, which could adversely affect discipline.
There are also less optimistic forecasts. The Financial Times points out that China's global strategy could become more aggressive if only loyal and less independent advisors, inclined towards nationalist decisions, remain around Xi.
The Christian Monitor warns that simplified command could accelerate actions in crisis situations (for example, around Taiwan), but it would also increase the risk of conflict due to a lack of restraining factors.
P.S. Thus, experts commenting on events in global media are unanimous in stating that the "purge" of several Chinese generals is not merely a reshuffle or an anti-corruption campaign. It is a serious political process that has resulted in all military leadership being under Xi Jinping's personal control. The consequences could range from a temporary reduction in the risk of conflict to long-term instability in command and strategic decisions made without oversight.
