China's Top Military Figure Accused of Leaking Nuclear Secrets to the United States
In a stunning development within China's military hierarchy, General Zhang Youxia, the nation's highest-ranking general and a vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), has been accused of leaking sensitive nuclear weapons data to the United States. The allegations emerge amid President Xi Jinping's extensive and ongoing anti-corruption purge, which has already removed over 200,000 officials since 2012.
Unprecedented Allegations Against a Trusted Confidant
General Zhang, aged 75, was long considered one of President Xi's most-trusted confidants, having been a childhood friend of the Chinese leader. However, on Saturday, the CMC launched a formal investigation into Zhang, citing violations of discipline and state law in a vaguely worded statement. Insiders have now revealed the severe nature of the alleged betrayals.
According to sources who spoke with The Wall Street Journal, information gathered at a private briefing indicates that Zhang allegedly handed over essential information regarding China's nuclear weapons capabilities to the US. This constitutes one of the most serious security breaches in recent Chinese military history.
A Web of Corruption and Political Manipulation
The accusations against General Zhang extend far beyond the alleged nuclear data leak. He is also accused of attempting to undermine the unity of the Communist Party through the formation of "political cliques" and of abusing his considerable authority for personal gain.
Furthermore, he faces allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for official acts. This reportedly includes facilitating the promotion of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who was himself removed from his position in 2023 over corruption charges and subsequently purged from the party the following year.
Sources of Evidence and a Widening Probe
Much of the evidence gathered against Zhang is said to have originated from Gu Jun, the former manager of the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation. This corporation oversees both civil and military nuclear programmes in China. Gu is also under investigation for violations of party discipline and state law.
At the closed-door meeting on Saturday, authorities allegedly revealed that the investigation into Gu has directly linked Zhang to the nuclear data breach, though specific details of the infringement were not disclosed.
The probe is widening in scope. A task force has reportedly been established to scrutinise Zhang's tenure as commander of the Shenyang Military Region from 2007 to 2012. Additionally, authorities have allegedly begun confiscating mobile phones and devices from individuals who advanced their military careers under Zhang and another senior general, Liu Zhenli, who was also announced as under investigation on Saturday.
Decimating the Military High Command
General Zhang was the operational leader of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and central to China's armed forces modernisation efforts. His removal, following the expulsion of other vice chairs and defense ministers, has left the CMC at its smallest size in history.
Christopher Johnson, head of the China Strategies Group, told The Wall Street Journal that this move is "unprecedented in the history of the Chinese military and represents the total annihilation of the high command."
The dramatic purge fuels significant uncertainty, particularly regarding China's strategic posture towards Taiwan. Analysts express doubts about President Xi's ability to execute major contingencies, such as a potential invasion, with so few experienced senior leaders remaining in charge.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington reiterated the leadership's "full-coverage, zero-tolerance approach to combating corruption," though neither Zhang nor Gu could be reached for comment.
