Additionally, the investigation has also involved General Liu Zhenli, who heads the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of China and is responsible for the strategic planning of combat operations. He is also accused of similar violations.
WSJ emphasizes that both generals played a significant role in modernizing the Chinese military and were among the few military personnel with real combat experience. The removal of such figures indicates Xi Jinping's intentions to actively combat corruption and cleanse the ranks of the military of officers deemed politically unreliable.
The publication also notes that in recent years, there have been numerous displacements of high-ranking military officials and representatives of the defense industry in China, raising doubts about the country's ability to create a military capable of competing with Western powers.
The composition of the leadership of the Chinese army after the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China. Figures marked with red crosses are those reportedly "removed" from the system due to investigations and purges.
An editorial article criticizing Zhang and Liu was published in the official newspaper of the People's Liberation Army of China. It claims that they undermined Xi Jinping's authority and contributed to corruption and political problems within the army, as well as weakened the Communist Party's control over the military.
