The defence ministry on Saturday announced that senior military officials Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli have been investigated for suspected serious discipline and law violations.

Zhang is a member of the Communist Party of China's Political Bureau and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

Liu is a member of the CMC and chief of staff of the CMC Joint Staff Department.

The decision to place them under investigation was made by the CPC Central Committee, according to the ministry. (Xinhua)