In a shocking development, it has been reported that Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and PLA Committee Member Liu Zhenli were officially announced to be under investigation on January 24. Epoch Times received a leaked confidential letter allegedly written by Zhang before his arrest, though the authenticity of the letter has yet to be verified.
According to the individual who leaked the letter, it was also sent to Xi Jinping’s office, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and relevant departments. The veracity of the letter is left for readers to judge, with no information on the source to be revealed.
The purpose of disseminating this letter is to bring deeper insights into and analyze the opaque politics within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Zhang’s letter reveals his differing views with Xi Jinping on the system of the Central Military Commission Chairman’s responsibility, as well as significant disagreements on issues such as reunification with Taiwan, strategic cooperation with Russia, and rapid promotions of senior military officials. Zhang emphasizes that these internal disagreements within the party and the military should be addressed through scientific and democratic means, rather than through special methods employed by Xi.
The letter highlights concerns about potential consequences of Zhang’s arrest, including the likelihood of false accusations and the erosion of the military’s role in the promotion of an individual’s interests over collective considerations.
Zhang expresses his hope for reflection from Xi, warning against extreme measures and emphasizing the importance of maintaining dignity and boundaries in leadership. He cautions against provoking internal conflicts that could lead to civil strife and emphasizes the need for upholding justice and fairness.
In addressing the intensifying tensions within the CCP leadership, Zhang recalls historical precedents and warns against the risks of power consolidation, military adventurism, and the resultant internal strife and external hostilities that might follow. He acknowledges the complexities and dangers of potential conflicts with Taiwan, the US, and Japan, urging for a more restrained and responsible approach to foreign policy.
Zhang concludes his letter with a plea for transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles within the party and the military, stressing the importance of staying true to the promises of reform and opening up made during the early years of the CCP.
The leaked letter sheds light on deep-seated divisions within the highest echelons of the Chinese leadership, reflecting growing concerns over authoritarianism, militarism, and the potential repercussions of unchecked power and misplaced priorities. It underscores the need for introspection and reform to prevent further descent into internal discord and external conflicts that could have devastating consequences for the Chinese people and the region as a whole.