China Top General Accused of Leaking Nuclear Secrets to US
China's top general, Zhang Youxia, is under investigation for allegedly leaking nuclear secrets to the US and accepting bribes. The investigation, announced by China's Ministry of National Defense, marks a significant shake-up in the country's military leadership. The probe has expanded to include other high-ranking officials, and a task force has been authorized to review Zhang's past tenure.
Timeline
Want updates on this thread?
Track this storyTimeline of developments
January 2026 — 7 developments
Taiwan's Supreme Court has finalized an 11-year prison sentence for former Air Force Colonel Chang Ming-che for recruiting spies for China.
Taiwan's Supreme Court has finalized an 11-year prison sentence for former Air Force Colonel Chang Ming-che for recruiting spies for China. Charges involving the leak of military secrets have been remanded back to a lower court for retrial.
Taiwanese scholars suggest that Xi Jinping's recent purge of top general Zhang Youxia could temporar…
Taiwanese scholars suggest that Xi Jinping's recent purge of top general Zhang Youxia could temporarily reduce China's likelihood of initiating a major war, including a military invasion of Taiwan. This analysis contrasts with previous concerns about a potential 2027 PLA invasion.
The investigation into General Zhang Youxia has reportedly expanded to include thousands of officers…
The investigation into General Zhang Youxia has reportedly expanded to include thousands of officers connected to him and other important figures, indicating a broader purge within the Chinese military.
Taiwan's defense minister stated they are closely monitoring 'abnormal' changes in China's military leadership following the investigation into General Zhang Youxia.
Taiwan's defense minister stated they are closely monitoring 'abnormal' changes in China's military leadership following the investigation into General Zhang Youxia.
Authorities have reportedly seized mobile phones from officers connected to both Zhang and Liu, potentially widening the scope of the purge.
Authorities have reportedly seized mobile phones from officers connected to both Zhang and Liu, potentially widening the scope of the purge.
The investigation has expanded to include Gen Liu Zhenli, the chief of the PLA's Joint Staff Department.
The investigation has expanded to include Gen Liu Zhenli, the chief of the PLA's Joint Staff Department.
President Xi Jinping authorized a task force to review Gen Zhang's tenure as commander of the Shenyang Military Region between 2007 and 2012.
President Xi Jinping authorized a task force to review Gen Zhang's tenure as commander of the Shenyang Military Region between 2007 and 2012.
January 2023 — 1 developments
It is speculated that Zhang’s downfall may be related to the 2023 Rocket Force corruption case, rela…
It is speculated that Zhang’s downfall may be related to the 2023 Rocket Force corruption case, relating to his tenure as head of the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission.
April 2016 — 1 developments
Szuhsiung Ho, aka Allen Ho, a U.
Szuhsiung Ho, aka Allen Ho, a U.S. citizen, China General Nuclear Power Company (CGNPC), and Energy Technology International (ETI) were indicted for conspiracy to unlawfully engage and participate in the production and development of special nuclear material outside the United States, without the required authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy.