Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. (Video screenshot)
[People News] Following a surprise raid by Xi Jinping that resulted in the capture of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, Xi has not only levelled further accusations against them but has also ordered all military personnel to 'deeply understand the overall situation.' Xi's actions resemble those of a third party in a love triangle, as he attempts to forcibly take away the soldiers' love for Zhang Youxia. Unfortunately, as the saying goes, 'a forcibly twisted melon is not sweet,' which has only intensified dissatisfaction within the military towards Xi.
The 59th Chairman Meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee took place on the morning of February 2 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During this meeting, it was decided that the 20th meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee would be held on the 4th. Observers speculate that this meeting is intended to address the downfall of Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Central Military Commission member Liu Zhenli.
Reports indicate that meetings of the National People's Congress Standing Committee are typically held at the end of the month, and the meeting on the 4th is not an 'advance' but rather an 'additional' session, lasting only one day, with the agenda focused on reviewing 'the qualifications of individual representatives.'
Consequently, many believe this may lead to the removal of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli from their positions within the Central Military Commission and their status as representatives of the National People's Congress.
On January 24, Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, and Liu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of the Joint Staff, were officially announced to have fallen from grace. On the same day, the military newspaper 'People's Liberation Army Daily' published an editorial stating that Zhang and Liu had 'seriously violated and undermined the accountability system of the Chairman of the Military Commission.' This highlighted the existing conflicts between Zhang and Xi Jinping, indicating that Xi's position within the military is clearly under threat. This threat may arise from actions taken by Zhang Youxia or could be a result of Xi's own paranoia.
In May 2025, Australian scholar Yuan Hongbing cited sources within the Chinese Communist Party, claiming that Xi Jinping has developed a mental obsession, 'already trapped in a paranoid delusional psychopathy.' Xi perceives those around him, including close aides and confidants, as two-faced, who outwardly flatter him while privately mocking and belittling him, going to great lengths to do so.
Yuan Hongbing predicted that a new major incident is likely to erupt, and another round of even more brutal military purges will inevitably follow.
Eight months after Yuan Hongbing made these comments, Xi Jinping took action against Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli.
Discontent among officers and soldiers: a commander expressed a desire to personally eliminate him.
Recently, the 'People's Liberation Army Daily' published articles for three consecutive days, branding Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli as 'roadblocks and stumbling blocks' that must be completely removed. The articles called on officers and soldiers to 'deeply understand the overall situation.' They also demanded that all personnel align their thoughts and actions with the decisions and directives of 'Chairman Xi,' emphasising the need to strengthen training and preparedness for war, ensuring readiness to fight and win battles at any time.
It is evident that Xi Jinping feels threatened by Zhang Youxia's popularity among the troops, openly pressuring soldiers to redirect their 'affection' for Zhang towards himself.
The upper echelons of the Communist Party of China understand that while Zhang Youxia is the second-highest-ranking official in the military, he wields significant power and is, due to his experience, the most respected general. Despite Xi Jinping's position as the leader of the party, government, and military, he has been unable to undermine Zhang Youxia's standing within the armed forces.
Although Xi and Zhang have been allies for a long time, military insiders have disclosed that the tensions between Zhang Youxia and Xi Jinping are not new but rather the culmination of long-standing issues. Xi Jinping has significant disagreements with senior military leaders on matters such as military strategy in the Taiwan Strait and responses to the pandemic. Zhang Youxia and other leaders of the military commission, along with numerous active and retired military personnel, have privately criticised Xi Jinping for being 'cowardly' during the pandemic while still pursuing re-election.
On January 29, a military insider, Shen Jianhui (a pseudonym), informed The Dajiyuan that Xi Jinping had never genuinely engaged with frontline efforts during the pandemic. His only so-called inspection of a military hospital was conducted via video link in a large hall, while actual medical staff were working in other areas. This approach has sparked widespread discontent within the military. 'Not only active-duty soldiers but also retired personnel and military families express their criticism during gatherings: What has he done to the country?'
Moreover, the central conflict between Zhang Youxia and Xi Jinping revolves around the Taiwan issue. Zhang Youxia, along with most senior generals in the military, opposes the use of force against Taiwan. Xi Jinping's primary motivation for advocating military unification with Taiwan is to solidify his personal power: 'He is currently too afraid to step down; if he does, all the corruption issues within his family will come to light.' As a result, he seeks to enhance his legitimacy in governance through significant political achievements, such as the unification of Taiwan.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the ongoing anti-corruption campaign has transformed into a tool for political infighting. Xi Jinping selectively accuses generals he disapproves of as corrupt, while the systemic responsibility for military corruption should rightfully fall on the highest leadership.
Xi Jinping's extreme purging tactics are driving the military to the edge of a situation where 'fish die, and nets break.' According to Du Wen, a former high-ranking official of the Chinese Communist Party who has fled abroad, one military commander stated: 'If Xi Jinping comes to inspect our troops, I guarantee I will personally take him out.' This illustrates the mindset among grassroots generals that 'either way, it's death.' △
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