The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported exclusively on January 25 that Zhang Youxia, the highest-ranking military official in China after President Xi Jinping, was purged for allegedly passing nuclear weapon secrets to the U.S.
According to well-informed sources cited by the WSJ, while General Zhang was previously thought to have been dismissed on corruption charges, the real reason for his ousting was the transfer of nuclear secrets to American officials.
Until now, most Western media outlets had reported that Zhang was removed from his position for forming political factions and accepting bribes during arms procurement processes.
However, the WSJ, quoting key insiders, revealed that the critical factor in Zhang’s downfall was his alleged leak of core Chinese nuclear weapon technologies to the U.S.
These allegations surfaced during the investigation of Gu Jun, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, which oversees both civilian and military nuclear programs in China.
The WSJ reported that upon the revelation of these shocking details, Zhang was purged despite his close ties to President Xi.
It’s worth noting that Zhang, like Xi, is a member of the influential Princeling faction. His father, Zhang Zhongxun, was a revolutionary veteran who fought alongside Xi’s father, Xi Zhongxun, in the Northwest Field Army during the Chinese Revolution.
Zhang had played a pivotal role in consolidating military power since Xi’s ascension to leadership, earning a reputation as one of Xi’s most trusted confidants.