• China's top military officials Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for corruption.
• This marks a significant escalation in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign within the military.
• More than 200,000 officials have been punished since Xi launched his anti-corruption drive in 2012.
• The investigations reflect broader political maneuvers within China's military hierarchy.
• Zhang's ties with Xi Jinping have raised questions about the implications of this probe.

China's Ministry of Defense announced that Zhang Youxia, the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and Liu Zhenli, the chief of staff of the CMC's Joint Staff Department, are under investigation for "serious violations of discipline." This phrase is often a euphemism for corruption, highlighting ongoing efforts against graft within the military, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.

Both Zhang, 75, and Liu, 61, were previously influential figures within China's military, with Zhang being one of Xi Jinping's closest military allies. Analysts view this investigation as part of Xi's broader anti-corruption campaign that has resulted in purges affecting over 200,000 officials since he took power in 2012. The CMC, which oversees the military, has seen significant restructuring with less than half of its original members remaining, raising concerns about loyalty within the ranks, according to Reuters and India Times.

This unprecedented probe is part of a significant military purge painted as a crackdown on corruption, with analysts suggesting it serves both to reform the military and to ensure loyalty to Xi. The investigation follows the recent expulsion of numerous senior generals linked to corruption. Such actions are designed to reinforce Xi's control over the military, a vital asset for maintaining the government's power, as outlined by NPR and Channel News Asia.

The specifics of the alleged violations have not been disclosed, yet speculation abounds regarding the motivations behind these investigations, particularly concerning Zhang's close ties with Xi. The purge aims to address concerns about corruption affecting military performance and governance, showcasing a dual purpose of ideological and practical alignment within the PLA, according to India Times and BBC.