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Liu Zhenli

Liu Zhenli

Former Chief of the Joint Staff Department

Appears in 2 stories

Notable Quotes

"[Zhang and Liu] seriously betrayed the trust and expectations of the Communist Party and the CMC, and fostered political and corruption problems that undermined the party's absolute leadership over the military and threatened the party's ruling foundation." — Liberation Army Daily editorial, January 2026

Stories

China's military buildup on a deadline

Force in Play

Under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law since January 2026

China's National People's Congress formally approved a 7% defense budget to 1.94 trillion yuan ($277 billion) in March 2026, a new record, while setting the country's lowest GDP growth target since 1991. Military spending has outpaced economic growth every year for over a decade.

Updated May 31

Xi Jinping's military purge

Force in Play

Under investigation for 'serious violations of discipline and law'

Xi Jinping appointed all seven members of China's Central Military Commission in 2022. By February 2026, only two remained: Xi and anti-corruption chief Zhang Shengmin. The investigation of Zhang Youxia, Xi's childhood friend and the PLA's most senior combat-experienced officer, marks the most dramatic purge of China's military leadership since the Cultural Revolution.

Updated May 23