A Chinese military commander has been demoted after binge drinking with two former subordinates, one of whom died as a result.

According to the Chinese Military, Zhang Yan, commander of the People's Liberation Army 26th Group recently had a drinking session with two former subordinates, both of whom were currently serving in the PLA 39th Group Army.

Like Us on Facebook

At a press conference, Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said that Zhang was a "typical case of not behaving and breaching disciplines."

He said that the punishment was "a demonstration of the clear-cut stance on enforcing strict discipline within the military and among the senior officers."

Yang  added that "senior military officers and Party members must voluntarily set good examples ... and refrain from violating discipline. Whoever breaches Party and military disciplines will be investigated and held accountable in accordance with relevant regulations."

While Yang didn't specify what punishment Zhang received, Chinese media reported that he was removed from his position and demoted from group army level to deputy group army level.

Removing corruption from the Chinese military has been one of the hallmarks of Xi Jinping's presidency. More than 15 senior Chinese military officers have been accused of corruption during the past year. This includes Xu Caihou, who was vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission who died of cancer before his case could come to trial.

And in July, Guo Boxiong, also the former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, was expelled from the Communist Party for taking bribes. He is the most senior ranking official in the People's Liberation Army to be removed for corruption.

TagsChinese General Demoted Over Binge-Drinking Death, Zhang Yan, binge drinking death, binge drinking, drinking session