Taiwan Media: Zhang Youxia Avoids Falling Out with Xi, Preventing Early Conflict

Zhang Youxia sat in the first row with the full national-level leaders. (Video screenshot)

[People News] On the eve of the military parade, August 26, Zhang Youxia delivered a speech at the academic seminar commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan, where he emphasised the need to 'truly learn, truly understand, truly believe, and truly apply Xi Jinping Thought.' Analysts suggest that this may serve as a low-level warning, indicating that Zhang Youxia is working to maintain Xi Jinping's image and prevent an early conflict with him.

In a report by the official Xinhua News Agency, Zhang Youxia referred to 'Chairman Xi' twice during his speech, first stating 'with the approval of Chairman Xi Jinping' and later mentioning 'learning and implementing Chairman Xi's directives. He stressed the importance of 'truly learning, truly understanding, truly believing, and truly applying' Xi Jinping Thought, and also emphasised the need to 'ensure that the people's army always listens to the Party and follows the Party,' among other points.

On September 7, Shen Mingshi, a researcher and director at the National Security Research Institute of the National Defense Security Research Institute, published an article in Taiwan's 'Shang Bao' noting that 'Zhang Youxia's speech praising Xi Jinping Thought, in light of rumors regarding a power struggle between Zhang and Xi's military, appears somewhat abrupt, and the implications behind it merit further exploration.'

The article suggests that Zhang Youxia's insistence on the military's 'true learning' of Xi Jinping Thought seems to carry a tone of flattery, with a hint of sarcasm.

The analysis concludes that if Xi Jinping's statements are empty, then Zhang Youxia's are also empty. Zhang Youxia's sudden emphasis on 'truth' implies that past learning was insincere, or that previous understandings and applications of Xi Thought were fundamentally flawed. Therefore, it is essential to truly grasp Xi Thought.

The article suggests that Zhang Youxia's actions are reminiscent of Deng Xiaoping's interpretations of Mao Zedong Thought and socialism, such as the ideas that 'poverty is not socialism' and the importance of 'correctly understanding Mao Zedong Thought'.

It notes that since Xi Jinping assumed office, various sectors, including diplomacy, economy, society, and national defence, have encountered significant challenges, leading to widespread poverty and financial strain. In this context, Zhang Youxia's encouragement or demand for soldiers to take Xi Jinping Thought seriously seems somewhat illogical, and his reference to the 'true character formula' appears to be disingenuous and superficial.

The article further observes that 'Zhang Youxia may be trying to uphold Xi Jinping's image to avoid premature conflicts that could allow external forces to exploit the situation. This could also be a form of a 'low-level red' strategy that is easily understood by everyone.'

Regarding Zhang Youxia's comments that reference Xi Jinping and Xi Thought, the article posits that this might be an attempt to maintain a semblance of unity within the Central Military Commission. However, Zhang Youxia's insistence on 'the Party commands the gun' merely underscores the Party's leadership over the military, without highlighting Xi Jinping in any significant way.

In reality, while Zhang Youxia mentioned 'Chairman Xi' twice, he did not refer to 'two four four two' or 'implementing the responsibility system of the chairman of the military commission' during his speech. Observers interpret this as Zhang Youxia downplaying Xi Jinping's authority over the military.

Previously, there were rumours that the Beidaihe meeting had produced results and that the personnel arrangements within the upper echelons of the CCP had been finalised.

Shen Mingshi believes that there are hints to be found in the various public statements made by the CCP's senior leadership, but until the internal party processes are completed, unexpected developments may still occur due to the ongoing tug-of-war between the factions.

On September 3, during the military parade ceremony, Zhang Youxia, who holds a vice-state level position, was seated in the front row alongside leaders of state level. He was flanked by retired state-level leaders Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan, and Zhang Gaoli. This seating arrangement by the authorities is significant and merits attention. Political analysts suggest that it signifies Zhang Youxia is receiving treatment equivalent to that of state-level leaders. △