China’s top general accused of leaking nuclear secrets to the U.S.

One of China’s top military generals is under investigation for allegedly leaking nuclear secrets to the United States.

The military leader is General Zhang Youxia, once vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission.

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On January 24, 2026, China’s Ministry of National Defense officially announced investigations into two top generals.

Zhang Youxia (first vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and long considered one of Xi’s closest allies) and Liu Zhenli (chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department) are currently being investigated.

According to reports, the two were involved in a “serious violations of discipline and law”—a standard euphemism in CCP speak for corruption, disloyalty, or other grave offenses.

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A U.S. newspaper report says one allegation involves sharing core nuclear weapons information with the United States.

China’s defence ministry has confirmed an investigation but has not detailed the specific claims.

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Chinese intelligence says they uncovered the leaks before they caused a major catastrophe.

Chinese authorities linked the inquiry to broader anti-corruption efforts within the People’s Liberation Army.

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Beijing has not publicly responded to the nuclear leak claim. In China, leaking state secrets is a very serious crime.

Zhang has not appeared in public since the investigation began. Foreign officials have not confirmed the alleged leak.

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