BEIJING: China's announcement that its top general was under investigation stunned defence watchers, hollowing out the country's top military body and confirming President Xi Jinping's far-reaching power.
Zhang Youxia (pic), a vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), is targeted in a probe for serious violations of the law -- a common euphemism for corruption.
Investigations almost always end in removal.
Until recently, Zhang's abrupt sidelining was largely unexpected, due to his long military tenure and perceived closeness with Xi.
The sturdy, square-faced general was frequently pictured standing beside the president
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