China’s Top General Accused of Leaking Nuclear Secrets to the US; Probe Launched Against Zhang Youxia

Beijing: China has launched a high-level investigation into one of its most powerful military figures, General Zhang Youxia, amid allegations that sensitive information related to the country’s nuclear weapons programme was leaked to the United States. The claims were reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with a confidential briefing of senior Chinese military officials.

Earlier on Saturday, China’s Ministry of National Defense announced that Zhang Youxia is being investigated for “serious violations of discipline and law,” without providing specific details. However, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Chinese officials were informed during a closed-door military briefing that Zhang is suspected of sharing critical technical information about China’s nuclear arsenal with Washington.

Zhang, once considered a close confidant of President Xi Jinping, is the senior-most Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s highest military decision-making body. The CMC exercises complete control over the People’s Liberation Army, with President Xi serving as its Chairman.

Allegations of Espionage and Internal Power Struggle

People familiar with the briefing said the investigation is not limited to alleged information leaks but also includes accusations that Zhang attempted to consolidate power within the Central Military Commission and sow divisions within the military leadership.

While Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed the espionage allegations, the timing of the probe and the nature of the accusations suggest one of the most serious internal security breaches in recent years.

Other Senior Officials Under Scrutiny

The investigation appears to be part of a broader crackdown within China’s military establishment. According to the defense ministry, additional probes have been initiated against senior officials linked to China’s nuclear and military command structures.

The former general manager of China National Nuclear Corporation, the state-owned entity overseeing China’s nuclear programme, has reportedly provided evidence against senior General Gu Jun, who is now under investigation for alleged crimes against the Communist Party.

The ministry also confirmed that Liu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of Staff of its Joint Staff Department, has been placed under investigative scrutiny.

Xi Tightens Grip on the Military

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington told the Wall Street Journal that the probe demonstrates the Communist Party leadership’s “zero-tolerance” approach toward corruption and misconduct. Analysts, however, believe the action against Zhang Youxia signals a deeper political move by President Xi Jinping to reinforce personal loyalty within the Central Military Commission.

Since Xi came to power in 2012, China has carried out an extensive anti-corruption campaign, resulting in disciplinary action against more than 200,000 officials across the party, government, and military.

Observers say the investigation into Zhang—one of the most senior military leaders in China—underscores both the intensity of Xi’s efforts to consolidate control over the armed forces and growing concerns within Beijing about internal dissent and national security vulnerabilities.