A senior Chinese military official is under investigation and could face the death penalty after being accused of leaking sensitive nuclear information to the United States, according to media reports.

General Zhang Youxia, 75, a veteran commander and one of the most senior figures in China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was removed from his post by President Xi Jinping amid allegations that he passed classified information to Washington.

Zhang was dismissed on Saturday after being charged with a “serious violation of discipline,” the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. In China’s political and military system, the term is commonly used as a precursor to formal criminal charges.

Chinese authorities later confirmed that Zhang is now facing a formal inquiry into his conduct, though they did not provide details of the allegations or specify potential penalties. Under Chinese law, convictions involving espionage or the leaking of state secrets can carry severe sentences, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Zhang, who has long been considered a close associate of President Xi and a key figure in the PLA’s operational command structure, has played a prominent role in China’s military modernization and strategic planning. His sudden removal underscores the intensity of Beijing’s internal discipline campaigns and heightened sensitivity over national security amid strained relations with the United States.

The case comes as tensions between Beijing and Washington remain high over issues ranging from Taiwan and the South China Sea to technology controls and military competition. Neither the Chinese government nor US officials have commented publicly on the specific allegations. (ILKHA)