Beijing May Be Changing How Case Against Top Generals Is Framed, Insiders Say

After accusing two top officers of undermining CCP leader Xi Jinping’s authority, Beijing now appears to be pursuing bribery charges instead.

(Left) Liu Zhenli at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on March 5, 2025; (Right) Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia attends an official event in Beijing, China, on Oct. 15, 2024. Russian Defense Ministry/Reuters

For weeks, speculation has swirled around the fate of two of China’s most senior military figures, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, after their sudden fall from power.

China’s defense ministry said in January that authorities were investigating the pair and accused them of “serious violations of discipline and law.”