Significant shifts in China’s military leadership are underway following accusations of bribery and information leaks involving a high-ranking general.
Despite the lucrative trade relationship between the US and China, military tensions persist between the two nations.
Both countries often highlight their military capabilities in an apparent effort to dissuade each other from contemplating any aggressive actions.
A key component of this tension is their nuclear programs, details of which are closely guarded.
One of China’s top officials is now accused of leaking critical technical data to the US concerning China’s nuclear weapons program.
General Zhang Youxia, 75, once seen as a close military ally of President Xi Jinping, is under investigation and may be removed from his position.
On Saturday (January 24), China’s Defense Ministry spokesperson confirmed via a Wall Street Journal report that Zhang is being investigated for ‘severe violations of party discipline and state laws’.
Reports also suggest Zhang is under scrutiny for allegedly forming political cliques, which refers to building influence networks that could disrupt party unity, and abusing his power within the Central Military Commission, the top military decision-making body.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, conveyed to the Wall Street Journal that this investigation highlights the leadership’s commitment to a ‘full-coverage, zero-tolerance approach to combating corruption’.
Zhang’s potential removal is also linked to his involvement in the promotion of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, with allegations suggesting he facilitated Li’s advancement in return for bribes.
These developments within the Chinese military occur amid heightened concerns over a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, a self-governing island that China claims as its own.
China has previously indicated a willingness to use force to assert its claim over Taiwan, despite America’s strong support for Taiwan, raising fears of a potential global conflict if such an invasion occurs.
Taiwan has acknowledged awareness of the changes in China’s military.
The defense minister, Wellington Koo, stated: “We will continue to closely monitor abnormal changes among the top levels of China’s government and military leadership.
“The military’s position is based on the fact that China has never abandoned the use of force against Taiwan.”