Zhang Youxia is in the news amid China's military shake-up and anti-graft crackdowns; he's a top PLA general and CMC vice chair, born 1950.
On January 24-26, 2026, China's Defense Ministry announced investigations into Gen. Zhang Youxia, senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Gen. Liu Zhenli for serious discipline and law violations. Zhang, once Xi Jinping’s closest military ally, faces allegations including corruption and possibly leaking nuclear secrets to the US, marking a historic military leadership purge.
President Xi Jinping has removed China's highest-ranking military officials, including Gen. Zhang Youxia, amid a broad anti-corruption campaign. The purge impacts military leadership and raises concerns about China's military modernization and Taiwan invasion plans, as internal upheaval continues.
The CIA has released a new video targeting Chinese military personnel, encouraging them to contact US intelligence via the Tor Browser. This follows previous efforts and coincides with recent high-profile military purges in China, aiming to exploit internal discontent and gather human intelligence amid ongoing tensions.
On March 12, 2026, China’s National People’s Congress approved a five-year plan aiming for 4.5-5% GDP growth in 2026 amid economic slowdown. The plan prioritizes technological self-reliance in AI, quantum computing, biotech, and green energy, while addressing demographic challenges and social welfare. It reflects China's strategic push for innovation and stability amid global geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East conflict.