China politics

Explainer: What top general Zhang Youxia’s fall means for China’s military

General Zhang Youxia (front), the senior vice chairman of its powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and General Liu Zhenli were under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline", a common euphemism for corruption.

Commentary

The fall of Zhang Youxia and the new rules of power in Xi’s army

General Zhang Youxia was not only China’s top-ranked uniformed officer but also a Politburo member and, until recently, widely regarded as one of President Xi Jinping’s most trusted military allies.

Xi’s top general under probe in China’s deepest military purge yet

Mr Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission, is the latest military officer to be investigated.

Commentary

Maduro’s capture reminds China of its darkest fears

This courtroom sketch shows deposed president of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro (C), attending his arraignment at Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse on January 5, 2026 in New York,

Has China gone soft on drugs? Law on keeping drug use records confidential divides netizens

Advocates view record sealing as a positive step towards rehabilitation, arguing that without it, the punishment can often be overly harsh.

China’s diplomatic year: A calculated gamble

The Dec 13 Nanjing Massacre Memorial ceremony in Jiangsu is a reminder of ongoing Chinese tensions with Japan.

China’s Xi backs Hong Kong leader after deadly fire and Jimmy Lai verdict

Chief Executive of Hong Kong John Lee said he explicitly reported Jimmy Lai's conviction to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong tycoon and democratic firebrand who stood up to China

Media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, founder of Apple Daily, leaves the High Court on bail, in Hong Kong, China December 23, 2020. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Jimmy Lai’s supporters queue in Hong Kong overnight for verdict

People waiting outside the West Kowloon Law Courts Building in Hong Kong on Dec 14, the night before the verdict in media tycoon Jimmy Lai's landmark national security trial.

China Politburo member misses two key meetings as mystery builds

Mr Ma Xingrui was absent on Dec 11 from state media footage of the Central Economic Work Conference convened in Beijing to map out policy for the year ahead.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.