China’s leadership has sidelined Gen. Zhang Youxia, once a top figure in the People’s Liberation Army, announcing his removal amid allegations of "violations of discipline and the law" — a move analysts characterise as part of a broader purge consolidating President Xi Jinping’s control over the military. The personnel changes signal an intensified campaign to reorder senior ranks and to neutralise potential rivals, with commentators saying the shake‑up could have implications for civil‑military relations and Beijing’s defence posture. Observers note the purge coincides with wider political tightening in China and could affect institutional stability inside the PLA as Xi continues to centralise authority while advancing a defence‑modernisation agenda. International responses are watchful for any changes in China’s strategic signalling that could follow such top‑level personnel shifts.