China removes General Zhang Youxia, historic ally of Xi Jinping</minimax:tool_call> General Zhang Youxia, who served as China's top uniformed military official for years, has been removed from his position, according to official state media reports. The dismissal marks a significant shift in the country's military leadership.

The Chinese Government formally removed the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, General Zhang Youxia, months after the opening of an investigation for alleged corruption. Zhang Youxia was considered the most powerful military figure in the country and a historical ally of President Xi Jinping.

The dismissal of Zhang Youxia marks a significant moment in the anti-corruption purge led by Xi Jinping at the top of the Armed Forces. The general was removed from his position and replaced in his duties, in a move that demonstrates the continuity of the cleanup campaign within the Chinese military structure.

This downfall occurs in a broader context of restructuring of China's military leadership, which has aimed to eliminate any opposition within the Armed Forces. Xi Jinping's anti-corruption purge has already affected several senior military officials in recent years, consolidating the president's control over the army.