China Expels Two Senior Generals Over Corruption Allegations
Citing the investigation, Xinhua also reported that the two officials used their positions to help others in matters including job promotions.
China has expelled two senior military officials, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, from the ruling Communist Party over corruption allegations, months after authorities announced investigations into what they described as “serious violations of discipline and law.”
Zhang was the more senior of the two vice chairmen of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), making him the country’s most senior general, according to AFP.
China’s Defence Ministry said in January that Zhang and Liu were suspected of “serious violations of discipline and law,” a phrase commonly used by Chinese authorities in corruption investigations.
Cases Involve ‘Exceptionally Large’ Sums
China’s state-run Xinhua news agency, providing details of the cases for the first time, said they involved “exceptionally large amounts of money.”
Senior officials meeting in Beijing on Monday decided to expel Zhang and Liu from the Communist Party and transfer their cases to military legal authorities for review and prosecution, according to Xinhua.
The state news agency said investigations found that Zhang and Liu had “betrayed the Party and crossed red lines” and were involved in multiple offences, including forming factions and accepting large sums of money for personal gain.
Citing the investigation, Xinhua also reported that the two officials used their positions to help others in matters including job promotions.
Final Expulsion Requires Central Committee Approval
According to AFP, the expulsions are expected to receive final confirmation at a meeting of the Communist Party’s Central Committee.
Both Zhang and Liu had already been removed from their positions on the state Central Military Commission last month.
The latest action marks another significant development in China’s continuing anti-corruption drive within the country’s military leadership, with the cases now moving into the military legal system.
