China’s most senior general has been dismissed and is now under investigation for alleged misconduct, as part of Chinese President ‘s recent crackdown on high-ranking military officials.
General Zhang Youxia is facing an inquiry into accusations of serious breaches of party discipline and national laws, as confirmed by China’s Defense Ministry on Sunday. The general held the position of vice-chairman on and was second only to Xi in terms of military power.
Liu Zhenli, another individual on the commission, has also been subjected to an investigation by China’s governing Communist Party. Liu serves as the chief of staff for the commission’s Joint Staff Department.
These dismissals represent the most recent military purge since October, when the Communist Party removed He Weidong, a former vice-chair of the commission. Zhang Shengmin, a staunch supporter of Xi who was not affected by this latest wave of removals, replaced him.
These personnel changes follow the release of a new National Defense Strategy by President ‘s administration on Friday. This document reorients U.S. priorities towards achieving dominance in the Western Hemisphere, moving away from the long-standing objective of confronting China.
“This does not necessitate a change in regime or any other fundamental conflict,” the document states. “Instead, a reasonable peace, under conditions beneficial to Americans yet also acceptable to and sustainable by China, is achievable.”
Furthermore, the document highlights Trump’s persistent dissatisfaction with regarding their insufficient contributions to their own defense. It indicates that the U.S. will progressively anticipate allied countries to manage their own security responsibilities.
“We will interact sincerely with our neighbors, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure they uphold and contribute to the defense of our mutual interests,” the strategy asserts. “And should they fail to do so, we will be prepared to undertake targeted, resolute actions that tangibly promote U.S. interests.”