Chinese President Xi Jinping removed China's top general Zhang Youxia amid an investigation for violating party discipline in latest military purge.

Chinese state media accused Zhang and fellow People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Liu Zhenli of “threatening the Communist Party’s absolute leadership,” as well as “undermining the system of ultimate responsibility,” which rests with President Xi.

The latest in Xi Jinping's campaign of military purges has been described as "a total annihilation" of China's high command.

It’s a stunning upheaval that brings down the most senior figure yet in a widening purge of Beijing’s armed forces and signifies an unprecedented consolidation of military pow

The vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, considered Xi Jinping's right-hand man, is accused of treason. General Zhang Youxia is

Analysts believe the purges are designed both to reform the military and to ensure loyalty to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who also chairs the military commission.

China said on Saturday (Jan 24) that Zhang Youxia, top-ranked vice-chair of the Central Military Commission, is under investigation alongside fellow member Liu Zhenli. Analysts say it underscores how no one is immune in President Xi Jinping’s remaking of the military.

The US no longer considers China its top security challenge, a newly published Pentagon document has revealed.