China expels generals accused of graft from Communist Party: state media

Chinese state media reported on Monday that two high-ranking military officers, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, have been expelled from the Communist Party. The men were accused of "serious violations of the law" in 2023, a term often used to mask corruption allegations. Zhang, who served as one of two vice chairmen on the Central Military Commission (CMC), held the position of the more senior general in the country.

The defense ministry confirmed in January that Zhang and Liu were suspected of engaging in "serious violations of discipline and the law". This announcement was part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-graft campaign. State news agency Xinhua detailed the cases, revealing that the offenses involved "exceptionally large sums of money."

The investigation found Zhang and Liu had become "disloyal to the Party" and had crossed "red lines" by forming cliques, accepting large sums of money, and using their positions to help others in matters such as job promotion. Their expulsion is pending ratification at a plenary session of the Party's Central Committee. The decision reaffirms the firm stance that there is "absolutely no place for corrupt elements to hide within the military."