On January 24th, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, was suddenly arrested, sparking a political crisis within the CCP. Rumors of serious internal strife and officials fleeing the country have been circulating within the CCP in recent days. Analysts believe that the incident involving Zhang Youxia may lead to the collapse of the CCP regime.
The arrest of Zhang Youxia has drawn significant attention overseas, with various rumors and accounts circulating on multiple platforms and dissident sources, painting a picture of high-level power instability within the Beijing military structure.
During a YouTube livestream on January 28th, former Shanghai businessman Hu Liren stated that the arrest of Zhang Youxia has caused turmoil within the CCP, with internal sources indicating widespread fear among CCP members. A former Deputy Minister of the CCP Central Organization Department successfully fled the country on the same day, landing on the territory of another nation.
Hu Liren, who had extensive connections within the CCP during his business ventures in China, mentioned that the fleeing official was a friend of a friend, allowing him to receive real-time information but refraining from disclosing the official’s name at the moment.
He stated during the livestream on the 28th that while Chinese society may seem calm, panic has spread within the CCP. Internal scrutiny has begun in Beijing, with party, government, and military officials across the country feeling insecure, as the ruthless purge of the “Zhang Youxia faction” could commence at any time.
Commentator Wen Rui agrees with Hu Liren’s assessment, stating that the backlash has been unusually swift and explosive. Zhang Youxia not only held the position of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission but also represented the military, princelings, political elders, and various factions. His downfall will have wide-reaching implications, affecting numerous individuals who may already be implicated or planning to flee. If vice-ministerial or higher-ranking officials attempt to escape, Xi Jinping will face an unmanageable crisis.
Wen Rui further remarks that apart from potential military rebellion, there may be unforeseen chaos within the party that surpasses current imaginations, perhaps even catching Xi Jinping off guard. Despite Xi Jinping’s attempts to maintain a composed facade while meeting with foreign leaders, he is truly sitting on a powder keg this time.
Canadian human rights activist Sheng Xue received information indicating that the CCP has tightened control over major military zones and residential compounds nationwide to prevent internal uprisings. People are prohibited from leaving these areas, and there have been reports of military equipment transport and deployment witnessed by citizens nationwide. Additionally, over 5,000 individuals have reportedly been arrested in the Beijing area alone.
Moreover, there are multiple versions circulating online regarding how Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were arrested, causing confusion about the authenticity of these reports.
Scholar Wu Zuolai mentioned on his program “Manshan Mantan” that throughout history, during times of regime change, folk songs and rumors often foretell actual political events.
Former Inner Mongolia official Du Wen posted, “The CCP is in a state of upheaval! Many are puzzled why Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were officially announced to have fallen from grace, yet their official positions were retained on websites like Xinhua and the State Council, and their past news remained unaltered. This reflects the complete disorder within the CCP, including the arbitrary conviction before investigation, and the fact that Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli technically retain their positions so far, showing the chaos prevailing.”
Overseas democracy activist Tang Baiqiao revealed on January 27th that a heavyweight “princeling general” had publicly voiced opposition to Zhang Youxia’s arrest, citing concerns that it disrupts the rules of the “red second generation.”
Speculation about the significant “princeling general” points to either Liu Yuan, son of former CCP National President Liu Shaoqi, or the sons of General Qin Jiwei, former Minister of National Defense – Qin Weijiang and Qin Tian.
Former Shenzhen lawyer Zhou Junhong remarked that after Zhang Youxia’s downfall, rumors in Beijing are also tying Wang Qishan to the affair. Some opinions suggest that Xi Jinping’s most feared individuals include Deng Pufang, Zeng Qinghong, Wang Qishan, Zhang Youxia, Liu Yuan, among others, with Wang Qishan and Zhang Youxia posing the greatest threats. Reasons include Wang Qishan’s possession of vast amounts of senior “black materials” during his tenure with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, particularly concerning military officers. Xi Jinping had reportedly promised Wang to become the Premier after the 19th National Congress, but Wang’s opposition to the abolition of term limits led to his marginalization.
China expert Heng He wrote in the Epoch Times, stating that Zhang Youxia’s downfall marks a milestone in the CCP’s path to collapse. Power and prestige do not align; while Xi Jinping holds uncontested power, his prestige has hit an all-time low. This poses a danger to Xi Jinping as he is unsure of where attacks may come from next. The excessive concentration of personal power signifies a diminishing role of the CCP system, signaling the prelude to the dynasty’s demise.