• Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia suspected of leaking technical information on China’s nuclear weapons program to United States
• Investigation linked to evidence from probe of Gu Jun, former CEO of China National Nuclear Corporation
• If removed, Zhang would become highest-ranking officer expelled from Chinese military since Tiananmen Square suppression in 1989

BEIJING, CHINA (TDR) — China’s senior-most general Zhang Youxia is accused of leaking information about the country’s nuclear weapons program to the United States and accepting bribes for official acts, including the promotion of an officer to defense minister, according to people familiar with a high-level briefing on the allegations.

The 75-year-old vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, widely regarded as President Xi Jinping’s closest ally at the apex of the military, faces allegations that include building political influence networks that undermined party unity, abusing his authority, and accepting vast sums of money in exchange for promotions within the military procurement system.

“The party’s decision to investigate Zhang underscores that the leadership is taking a comprehensive and uncompromising approach in its fight against corruption.”

Most Shocking Allegation

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The most serious allegation revealed during Saturday’s briefing to senior officers in the Chinese military was that Zhang leaked “technical information” to the United States about China’s nuclear weapons, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited several people familiar with the matter who took part in the high-level briefing.

Chinese authorities are examining how Zhang oversaw a powerful military agency responsible for the research, development and procurement of military equipment. People familiar with the weekend briefing said Zhang is alleged to have received enormous sums of money in exchange for promotions within the agency’s heavily funded procurement apparatus.

The briefing took place Saturday morning, shortly before Beijing’s dramatic announcement Sunday about the investigation into Zhang. In that announcement, authorities provided no substantive details about the allegations, saying only that Zhang was suspected of violating the law and party discipline.

“These included building political influence networks that undermined party unity, abusing his authority on the Central Military Commission, and accepting vast sums of money in exchange for promoting rivals in tenders within the military procurement system.”

Connection To Defense Minister Promotion

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Sources said Zhang is suspected of having promoted former Defense Minister Li Shangfu to his post in return for a substantial bribe. Li disappeared from public view in China in 2023 and was later removed as defense minister. A year later, he was expelled from the Communist Party on corruption charges.

The Central Military Commission is the body that oversees China’s armed forces and is chaired by President Xi Jinping. Zhang is also a member of the Politburo, the Communist Party’s top decision-making body.

Zhang and Xi share similar backgrounds as “princelings,” the sons of senior party officials. Zhang’s father was a general who fought alongside Xi’s father in China’s civil war.

Nuclear Corporation Investigation Link

Some of the evidence against Zhang came from Gu Jun, the former chief executive of China National Nuclear Corporation, a state-owned company that oversees all aspects of China’s nuclear programs, both civilian and military, according to sources.

Last Monday, China announced the opening of an investigation into the former executive, citing suspected violations of state law and party discipline. During Saturday’s briefing, sources said, authorities revealed that the investigation into Gu was what linked Zhang to a security breach within China’s nuclear sector. They added that no details were provided about the breach itself.

The Wall Street Journal said it was unable to obtain comment from Zhang or Gu.

Political Cliques Allegation

Sources said Zhang is also suspected of forming “political cliques,” a term used to describe efforts to build influence networks that undermine Communist Party unity. He is also accused of abusing his authority within the influential military agency he oversaw.

Authorities seized the personal phones of officers who had been promoted by Zhang and by senior General Liu Zhenli, who some sources said is also under investigation. Thousands of officers with ties to Zhang and Liu have now become “potential targets,” according to the sources.

Special Investigative Team

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