China expels two ex-CMC leaders for factionalism, purging top military brass

China's military mouthpiece confirmed the expulsion of former CMC vice-chairman Zhang Youxia and former CMC member Liu Zhenli for factionalism and disloyalty, calling it elimination of a major hidden political danger. This marks a significant escalation in Xi Jinping's purge of senior military leadership, signaling consolidation of control over the PLA. The move is part of an ongoing pattern of high-level military reshuffles, with implications for PLA command stability and civil-military relations.