Chinese military modernization stories

Aug 28, 2026

China removes two top generals from Central Military Commission

China removed senior military officers Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from the state Central Military Commission, part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing purge of military leadership amid concerns over corruption and loyalty.

Aug 28, 20265 sources

Jul 6, 2026

China Conducts Rare Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Test in Pacific Ocean

China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the Pacific Ocean, drawing criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan over actions threatening regional peace and stability.

Jul 6, 202613 sources

Jun 27, 2026

China strips six generals and former financial regulator of lawmaker posts

China removed six military lawmakers, former financial regulator Li Yunze, and Politburo member Ma Xingrui from their National People's Congress positions, signaling a major purge within the country's political and military leadership.

Jun 27, 20261 source

May 30, 2026

US Defense Secretary Urges Asian Allies to Increase Military Spending Against China

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that Asian allies must ramp up defense spending to counter China's military buildup, while striking a measured tone on US-China relations and reassuring partners about American commitment to the region.

May 30, 202614 sources

May 9, 2026

China Sentences Two Former Defense Ministers to Suspended Death Sentences for Bribery

China handed suspended death sentences to former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu after convicting them of accepting bribes, marking a significant anti-corruption action within China's military leadership.

May 9, 20261 source

Top claims

▪General Zhang Youxia was China's highest-ranked general, serving as the second-in-command under President Xi Jinping on the Central Military Commission and as a member of the elite Politburo
▪President Xi Jinping ordered a broad anti-corruption crackdown in 2012 that has targeted the military, leading to the investigation, removal, and purging of scores of senior officials and top generals
▪The removal of General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli leaves only two active members on the formerly seven-member state Central Military Commission: President Xi Jinping and anti-corruption chief Zhang Shengmin

Subtopics

China's domestic politics3 Chinese Communist Party (CCP)3 Arms control & disarmament1 China's foreign policy1 Defense & military alliances1 Defense spending1 Military leadership1 Pete Hegseth1 Shangri-La Dialogue1 U.S.–China relations1 Xi Jinping1

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