China’s top ranking general under investigation for alleged violations amid ongoing purge of leadership

Zhang Youxia, second-in command under president Xi Jinping as chairman of the Central Military Commission, has long been seen as Xi's closest military ally

China's most senior general is under investigation, China's defence ministry has confirmed, in the highest profile case to date in an aggressive anti-graft purge of senior military leadership in recent months.

Zhang Youxia serves as second-in-command under president Xi Jinping as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission - the supreme command body - and has long been seen as Xi's closest military ally.