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Liu Zhenli

The latest news on Chinese General Liu Zhenli, including political stories and updates.

Born

Aug 1964

Industry

Politics, Military

Job Title

Politician

PLA Air Force Lieutenant General Yang Zhibin, pictured in uniform, is shown at the annual commemoration of the Nanking massacre on Saturday. Photo: CCTV

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign

Newcomers in charge at PLA’s corruption-hit command overseeing Taiwan

State media shows Yang Zhibin and Zhang Jichun at official event, suggesting they are heading the Eastern Theatre Command.

17 Dec 2025 - 6:48PMvideocam

Xinjiang

China’s ethnic affairs chief hails Xinjiang policies in Xi’s ‘new era’

26 Sep 2025 - 2:16AMvideocam

China-Australia relations

China and Australia ready for ‘more productive’ ties, Beijing’s ambassador says

14 Aug 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

China-India relations

China is ready to help ease India-Pakistan tensions but has a fine line to walk

Analysts said Beijing would be keen to avoid a full-blown confrontation on its doorstep but its scope may be limited.

30 Apr 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

An attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir has led to fears of conflict with neighbouring Pakistan. Photo: Reuters

Two Sessions 2024

Chinese general calls for crackdown on ‘fake combat capabilities’ in military

He Weidong’s message seen to be related to weapons procurement and problems with training.

11 Mar 2024 - 5:47PMvideocam

107

US-China relations

Mixed signals remain in US-China relations even after Xi-Biden meeting

In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look to the future of the US-China relationship following the meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in November.

14 Feb 2024 - 2:45PMvideocam

China’s military

PLA watches as US warship sails through Taiwan Strait in ‘provocative’ move

Destroyer’s transit shows United States’ commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, Seventh Fleet commander says, while People’s Liberation Army spokesman accuses US military of ‘maliciously’ undermining peace and stability in the region.

25 Jan 2024 - 3:53PMvideocam

The USS John Finn, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. Photo: US Seventh Fleet

Taiwan election 2024

Fallout from Taiwan elections may ‘heighten risk of US-China missteps’

If Beijing steps up the pressure on Taiwan following a DPP win, it may heighten calls for a tougher US response, a mainland academic warns.

5 Jan 2024 - 6:00AMvideocam

China’s military

China names Dong Jun as new defence minister to replace ousted Li Shangfu

Dong Jun was previously head of the People’s Liberation Army Navy and is not on any US sanctions list – unlike his predecessor.

29 Dec 2023 - 9:52PMvideocam

US-China relations

China’s PLA hails ‘constructive’ US talks, but hits out at Pentagon budget

A spokesman for the Chinese military says last week’s talks between senior commanders were a ‘step towards the resumption of military dialogue’.

28 Dec 2023 - 9:35PM

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping discussed the resumption of military talks at their summit in California last month. Photo: AP

Taiwan election 2024

Taiwan’s presidential election risks war, ex-Beijing official says

‘One thing is certain: Taiwan independence means war, and insisting on Taiwan independence’ will lead to war sooner or later,’ says Wang Zaixi, former deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office.

25 Dec 2023 - 9:45PMvideocam

Supporters of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate William Lai Ching-te attend a rally ahead of the January 2024 presidential election. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

Ice-breaking direct US-China military talks a ‘good step’ but disputes remain

Discussions will not resolve ‘hardcore’ geopolitical issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea but could help avoid crisis, experts say

22 Dec 2023 - 10:05PMvideocam

US-China relations

US, China militaries talk for first time in over a year

The video call between General CQ Brown and General Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the US and China since August 2022.

22 Dec 2023 - 5:43AMvideocam

Asean

South China Sea skirmishes loom over Asean defence ministers’ meeting

Asean defence ministers to meet in Jakarta to discuss regional challenges, including the rising tensions over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines.

14 Nov 2023 - 8:06PMvideocam

A Philippine Coast Guard member holds on a rubber fender as a Chinese coast guard vessel and suspected Chinese militia ship chases the BRP Cabra while approaching Second Thomas Shoal on November 10. Photo: AP

US-China relations

Opinion | US-China thaw raises hopes for military dialogue breakthrough

Top-level US-China military communication was halted after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last year. But there are now signs of a breakthrough, with concrete action towards renewed defence relations.

13 Nov 2023 - 5:30AMvideocam

China’s military

Explainer | Why the role of Chinese defence minister isn’t exactly what it sounds like

China’s first few defence ministers enjoyed more influence and much higher profiles.

25 Oct 2023 - 9:45PMvideocam

China’s military

Did China’s top general signal a restart in Beijing’s military diplomacy?

Zhang Youxia, China’s most senior military officer, met Serbia’s defence chief in a sign that the country’s military diplomacy could be normalising.

19 Oct 2023 - 6:46PMvideocam

US-China relations

Chinese general to step in for missing defence minister at security forum

Veteran of Chinese-Vietnamese war General Liu Zhenli will be face of the PLA in meetings with US representatives following unexplained disappearance of minister Li Shangfu, say sources.

13 Oct 2023 - 10:32PMvideocam

The last in-person Xiangshan Forum was held in Beijing in 2019 before being cancelled or held virtually. This year’s forum may host high-level talks between the PLA and the Pentagon, analysts say. Photo: Xinhua

China’s military

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu not at meeting, continuing public absence

Li, one of three officials who do not attend a meeting of the Central Military Commission, has not been seen since August 29, when he spoke at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing.

16 Sep 2023 - 7:42PMvideocam

China’s military

Russian navy chief’s visit to China shows stronger military ties: analyst

Nikolai Yevmenov this week discussed naval cooperation with China’s defence minister, met commander of the PLA Navy and viewed China’s latest ships.

8 Jul 2023 - 12:00PMvideocam

China’s military

Chinese and Russian armed forces agree to hold more joint drills

Senior military officers agree to exercises just days after aircraft conduct patrols near South Korea.

9 Jun 2023 - 9:30PMvideocam

Chinese and Russian armed forces will take part in more joint exercises. Photo: Xinhua

Two Sessions 2023

Li Qiang is China’s new premier, but how much power will he wield?

Li Qiang was confirmed as China’s premier – its No 2 official – on Saturday during the ‘two sessions’, but the position is seen to hold diminishing authority as President Xi Jinping consolidates power.

14 Mar 2023 - 9:45AMvideocam

President Xi Jinping (right) and Li Qiang. Photo: kyodo

China’s military

China names new chief of PLA theatre command that guards Beijing

Huang Ming was also promoted to the rank of general at a ceremony in Beijing.

19 Jan 2023 - 9:00PM

China’s military

China promotes General Li Qiaoming to commander of PLA ground force

The 61-year-old is one of China’s youngest top generals and steps into new role after overseeing strategically important Northern Theatre Command.

4 Jan 2023 - 5:43PM

Taiwan

Opinion | What China’s military leadership line-up says about Xi’s plans for Taiwan

Xi’s appointees to China’s top military decision-making and command body boast combat experience and Taiwan expertise. While this doesn’t necessarily portend a confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, it does point to a more military-focused approach to the Taiwan issue.

12 Nov 2022 - 8:30AMvideocam

President Xi Jinping (front centre) stands with the members of the Central Military Commission, including vice-chairmen Zhang Youxia (front right) and He Weidong (front left), at the CMC joint operations command centre on November 8. Photo: Xinhua via AP

China’s 20th Party Congress

Taiwan braces for tougher PLA after Central Military Commission reshaped

Chiu Kuo-cheng tells island lawmakers new CMC has younger members who are more familiar with Taiwan and have combat experience.

24 Oct 2022 - 7:24PMvideocam

Beijing reshuffled its top military leadership on Sunday, with the new make-up indicating that the PLA will have a greater focus on Taiwan, says the island’s defence minister. Photo: AP Photo

China’s 20th Party Congress

China’s reshuffled military leadership highlights Taiwan focus

New Central Military Commission line-up gives clues on the People’s Liberation Army’s priorities in the next five years.

24 Oct 2022 - 3:39PMvideocam

China’s 20th Party Congress

Xi ‘sworn brother’ Zhang Youxia, 72, set for bigger PLA command role

Names of three PLA generals over 68 missing from Central Committee roster, but exception made for Zhang Youxia.

23 Oct 2022 - 6:00AMvideocam

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Liu Zhenli

Newcomers in charge at PLA’s corruption-hit command overseeing Taiwan

State media shows Yang Zhibin and Zhang Jichun at official event, suggesting they are heading the Eastern Theatre Command.

China’s ethnic affairs chief hails Xinjiang policies in Xi’s ‘new era’

China and Australia ready for ‘more productive’ ties, Beijing’s ambassador says

China is ready to help ease India-Pakistan tensions but has a fine line to walk

Analysts said Beijing would be keen to avoid a full-blown confrontation on its doorstep but its scope may be limited.

Chinese general calls for crackdown on ‘fake combat capabilities’ in military

He Weidong’s message seen to be related to weapons procurement and problems with training.

Mixed signals remain in US-China relations even after Xi-Biden meeting

In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look to the future of the US-China relationship following the meeting between presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in November.

PLA watches as US warship sails through Taiwan Strait in ‘provocative’ move

Destroyer’s transit shows United States’ commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, Seventh Fleet commander says, while People’s Liberation Army spokesman accuses US military of ‘maliciously’ undermining peace and stability in the region.

Fallout from Taiwan elections may ‘heighten risk of US-China missteps’

If Beijing steps up the pressure on Taiwan following a DPP win, it may heighten calls for a tougher US response, a mainland academic warns.

China names Dong Jun as new defence minister to replace ousted Li Shangfu

Dong Jun was previously head of the People’s Liberation Army Navy and is not on any US sanctions list – unlike his predecessor.

China’s PLA hails ‘constructive’ US talks, but hits out at Pentagon budget

A spokesman for the Chinese military says last week’s talks between senior commanders were a ‘step towards the resumption of military dialogue’.

Taiwan’s presidential election risks war, ex-Beijing official says

‘One thing is certain: Taiwan independence means war, and insisting on Taiwan independence’ will lead to war sooner or later,’ says Wang Zaixi, former deputy director of the Taiwan Affairs Office.

Ice-breaking direct US-China military talks a ‘good step’ but disputes remain

Discussions will not resolve ‘hardcore’ geopolitical issues like Taiwan and the South China Sea but could help avoid crisis, experts say

US, China militaries talk for first time in over a year

The video call between General CQ Brown and General Liu Zhenli is the first senior military communications between the US and China since August 2022.

South China Sea skirmishes loom over Asean defence ministers’ meeting

Asean defence ministers to meet in Jakarta to discuss regional challenges, including the rising tensions over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | US-China thaw raises hopes for military dialogue breakthrough

Top-level US-China military communication was halted after Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan last year. But there are now signs of a breakthrough, with concrete action towards renewed defence relations.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | Why the role of Chinese defence minister isn’t exactly what it sounds like

China’s first few defence ministers enjoyed more influence and much higher profiles.

Did China’s top general signal a restart in Beijing’s military diplomacy?

Zhang Youxia, China’s most senior military officer, met Serbia’s defence chief in a sign that the country’s military diplomacy could be normalising.

Chinese general to step in for missing defence minister at security forum

Veteran of Chinese-Vietnamese war General Liu Zhenli will be face of the PLA in meetings with US representatives following unexplained disappearance of minister Li Shangfu, say sources.

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu not at meeting, continuing public absence

Li, one of three officials who do not attend a meeting of the Central Military Commission, has not been seen since August 29, when he spoke at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing.

Russian navy chief’s visit to China shows stronger military ties: analyst

Nikolai Yevmenov this week discussed naval cooperation with China’s defence minister, met commander of the PLA Navy and viewed China’s latest ships.

Chinese and Russian armed forces agree to hold more joint drills

Senior military officers agree to exercises just days after aircraft conduct patrols near South Korea.

Li Qiang is China’s new premier, but how much power will he wield?

Li Qiang was confirmed as China’s premier – its No 2 official – on Saturday during the ‘two sessions’, but the position is seen to hold diminishing authority as President Xi Jinping consolidates power.

China names new chief of PLA theatre command that guards Beijing

Huang Ming was also promoted to the rank of general at a ceremony in Beijing.

China promotes General Li Qiaoming to commander of PLA ground force

The 61-year-old is one of China’s youngest top generals and steps into new role after overseeing strategically important Northern Theatre Command.

Opinion | What China’s military leadership line-up says about Xi’s plans for Taiwan

Xi’s appointees to China’s top military decision-making and command body boast combat experience and Taiwan expertise. While this doesn’t necessarily portend a confrontation in the Taiwan Strait, it does point to a more military-focused approach to the Taiwan issue.

Taiwan braces for tougher PLA after Central Military Commission reshaped

Chiu Kuo-cheng tells island lawmakers new CMC has younger members who are more familiar with Taiwan and have combat experience.

China’s reshuffled military leadership highlights Taiwan focus

New Central Military Commission line-up gives clues on the People’s Liberation Army’s priorities in the next five years.

Xi ‘sworn brother’ Zhang Youxia, 72, set for bigger PLA command role

Names of three PLA generals over 68 missing from Central Committee roster, but exception made for Zhang Youxia.

Opinion | US-China thaw raises hopes for military dialogue breakthrough

Explainer | Why the role of Chinese defence minister isn’t exactly what it sounds like