Shock in Beijing: China’s Top General Probed for Leaking Nuclear Secrets

In one of the most significant military purges since the 1970s, China has launched an investigation into General Zhang Youxia, the first Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and a lifelong ally of President Xi Jinping.

While official statements cite “serious violations of discipline and law” (usually a euphemism for corruption), a bombshell report by The Wall Street Journal suggests a far more explosive motive: the leak of core nuclear technical data to the United States.

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1. The Allegations: Corruption or Treason?

According to internal military briefings held on January 24, 2026, the charges against the 75-year-old general are multifaceted and severe:

• The Nuclear Leak: Allegations that Zhang leaked “core technical data” from China’s nuclear weapons program to Washington. Evidence reportedly emerged from a separate probe into Gu Jun, the former head of the China National Nuclear Corp.

• Bribery & Promotions: Accepting massive bribes in exchange for high-level military promotions, including the elevation of former Defence Minister Li Shangfu (who was himself purged in 2023).

• Factionalism: Accused of forming “political cliques” and abusing his authority to undermine President Xi’s leadership over the armed forces.

2. A Hallowed Relationship Shattered

The investigation is particularly stunning because of the deep historical ties between Zhang and Xi Jinping.

• Legacy Families: Their fathers fought together in the 1940s during the Chinese Civil War.

• The “Untouchable” General: Zhang was one of the few serving generals with actual combat experience (Sino-Vietnamese War) and was retained past retirement age, signaling Xi’s ultimate trust.

• The Message: His downfall sends a blunt message that no rank or personal loyalty guarantees safety in Xi’s ongoing effort to consolidate absolute power.

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3. Impact on China’s Military Command

The purge has left China’s supreme military body, the Central Military Commission, in a state of unprecedented “hollowing out.”

IMPORTANT:Of the seven members appointed to the CMC in 2022, only two remain untouched: Xi Jinping himself and the officer in charge of investigating everyone else.

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