Did Zhang Youxia Escape Once, Only to Be in Peril Again?

Did Zhang Youxia Escape Once, Only to Be in Peril Again?

[People News] The political atmosphere inside Zhongnanhai is currently extremely tense. On February 10, Beijing authorities announced that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) will convene from February 25 to 26. This routine meeting, held on the eve of the “Two Sessions,” includes on its agenda the “review of reports on the qualifications of certain deputies.”

Observers are once again speculating whether Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and CMC member Liu Zhenli—who narrowly escaped trouble on February 4—are now back in jeopardy. Recently, reports have surfaced that Xi Jinping is urgently seeking Zhang Youxia’s confession. What is Xi’s objective?

On February 2, NPC Chairman Zhao Leji suddenly convened a temporary meeting and added the 20th session of the Standing Committee on February 4. At the time, many predicted that Zhang and Liu would have their status as NPC deputies revoked. Under Chinese law, an NPC deputy cannot be arrested, criminally detained, or prosecuted without approval during their term; such approval must come from the NPC Presidium.

However, the outcome surprised everyone. Of the 150 attendees originally present, only 149 voted. In the end, only three representatives from major military-industrial enterprises were removed. The motions concerning Zhang and Liu did not pass.

Former Inner Mongolia official Du Wen cited internal sources saying the reason for not revoking Zhang and Liu’s deputy status was that the investigation had not yet concluded.

Xi Jinping’s move against Zhang suggests he possesses incriminating material. However, the most critical factor is Zhang’s signed confession. Without it, the case cannot be finalized. The phrase “investigation not yet concluded” may indicate that Zhang has refused to confess. If he confesses, the investigation can be formally completed, procedures followed, and all positions revoked.

Traditionally, the removal of a Politburo member requires a prolonged investigation, a report submitted to the Politburo, and final approval at a Central Committee plenary session, followed by formal dismissal by the NPC the following year. In Zhang’s case, the process appeared rushed. A January 24 notice stated only that the “Party Central Committee decided” to investigate—widely interpreted as Xi’s personal decision—suggesting irregular procedure.

Some observers interpret this as Zhao Leji potentially resisting, unwilling to endorse actions that bypass internal Party procedures.

Australian-based self-media commentator Jiang Wangzheng, who first reported Zhang’s investigation, recently claimed that Xi confidant Huang Kunming, Party Secretary of Guangdong, acted as an intermediary, sharing lunch with Zhang while he was under house arrest in Shenzhen. It was also reported that former CPPCC Chairman Jia Qinglin visited Zhang to persuade him to confess.

Why is Zhang’s confession so crucial? Beyond procedural battles at the top, the military’s reaction has added uncertainty.

Since Zhang and Liu were detained, the PLA’s various theater commands and branches have shown unusual “collective silence.” In past high-level purges, public declarations of loyalty were routine. This time, no unit has publicly expressed support for the central leadership’s decision.

This silence is interpreted as passive resistance. Although Xi has detained individuals, he may not have fully stabilized the complex factional landscape within the military. Key posts are now filled by acting officials, contributing to instability and Xi’s anxiety.

Rumors differ on Zhang’s whereabouts—some say he is detained in Langfang, Hebei, under interrogation by Cai Qi, possibly subjected to coercion; others say he is under house arrest in Shenzhen, facing persuasion rather than punishment. Whether through pressure or negotiation, Xi’s objective appears to be securing Zhang’s confession.

The author believes Xi is more likely using soft tactics. Reports of harsh treatment could provoke greater unrest within the military, undermining morale and Xi’s grip on power. Zhang, a combat veteran, may not yield easily to force.

If Zhang voluntarily confesses, those within the military, veteran networks, and Party elite who sympathize with him may have little choice but to stand down.

All eyes are now on the February 25–26 NPC Standing Committee meeting. Official reports confirm the review of “certain deputies’ qualifications.”

If Zhang and Liu’s names appear on the dismissal list, it would suggest Xi has regained control through internal pressure or negotiation—and possibly that Zhang has secured guarantees protecting his family or associates in exchange for confession.

If their names do not appear, it would indicate that the internal power struggle has escalated. With the 21st Party Congress approaching, the Zhang-Liu case could become an unresolved political time bomb.

For Xi, this is not merely a challenge to personal authority but a test of his control over the military.

Has Zhang Youxia truly become “suspended in peril”? Or will the storm rebound against Xi? The late-February NPC meeting may prove the most critical indicator of whether the CCP’s internal power structure is slipping out of control.

(First published by People News) △