The curious case of China’s disappearing generals

All six members of China’s highest military body have been dismissed on suspicion of corruption, including last month the vice-chair, Zhang Youxia, one of President Xi Jinping’s oldest friends. It’s a stunning reshuffle of the senior ranks.

China’s highest military body is the Central Military Commission, with President Xi Jinping himself in the chair in his parallel role as general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, writes Gwynne Dyer.Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Opinion

BY GWYNNE DYER

February 9, 2026

LONDON, U.K.—Armies can be used against both foreigners abroad and citizens at home, but the two roles require quite different equipment and tactics. The same applies to their commanders: you need a different kind of general if you think that the primary task of their troo...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy