Gen Zhang is the first-ranking Vice Chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), the overall high command of the Chinese military headed by President Xi Jinping. ADVERTISEMENTZhang's position on the CMC makes him the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Chinese military. The other senior official under investigation is General Liu Zhenli, a CMC member who serves as its chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department. The probe against them, especially Zhang, the highest-ranking military official, has sent shockwaves through the Chinese military establishment. This included two former defence ministers and dozens of senior PLA officers.

Source: The Telegraph January 24, 2026 18:15 UTC