Amidst the shock caused by the sudden announcement by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of the downfall of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia and the Chief of the General Staff of the Central Military Commission Liu Zhenli on the same day, the news of the passing of Zhang Youxia’s “old superior,” CCP General Liao Xilong, has also been circulating on the internet, sparking public attention. As of now, the official announcement of Liao Xilong’s passing has not been released.
According to information from Baidu Baike, Liao Xilong passed away in Beijing at the age of 86 on January 23 at 1:50 am due to an incurable illness.
Public records show that Liao Xilong was born in June 1940 in Sina, Guizhou. He joined the military in January 1959 and joined the CCP in February 1963, holding the rank of General. Starting from November 2002, Liao Xilong served as a member of the CCP Central Military Commission and Minister of the PLA General Logistics Department until 2012. He held key positions within the military during Hu Jintao’s leadership.
On an overseas platform X, independent commentator Cai Shenkun posted on January 24: “Liao Xilong’s passing at such a crucial moment, along with the downfall of Zhang Youxia, makes it unlikely for the CCP to continue concealing the news of Zhang’s arrest. Both Liao Xilong and Zhang Youxia participated in the Vietnam War. Liao Xilong climbed the ranks from a platoon leader to deputy battalion commander, battalion commander, deputy regimental commander, regimental commander, deputy division commander, division commander, deputy army commander, army commander, deputy commander of Chengdu Military Region, and Commander of Chengdu Military Region. Due to his distinguished service in the Vietnam War twice, he became the deputy commander of Chengdu Military Region at the age of 45, with Zhang Youxia serving as the deputy division commander under him in the 14th Army. When Liao Xilong was the Commander of Chengdu Military Region, Zhang Youxia was promoted to the Commander of the 13th Army. Liao Xilong played a significant role in Zhang Youxia’s military career and during Hu Jintao’s leadership, he served as Minister of General Logistics Department for 10 years, with Liu Yuan having served as the deputy political commissar and political commissar under him.”
Similarly, on platform X, a verified Chinese and Japanese political and economic commentator account named “Lushengchang” wrote: “To verify the news of Zhang Youxia’s downfall, they had to ‘sacrifice’ this General.” This statement sparked heated discussions in overseas public opinion circles.
In the afternoon of January 24, the CCP officially announced that Zhang Youxia, a member of the CCP Central Political Bureau and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, along with Liu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of Staff of the General Staff of the Central Military Commission, are suspected of serious violations of discipline and law. After research by the CCP Central Committee, it was decided to launch an investigation into both individuals.
The above-mentioned official news immediately ignited public opinion. Not only is this seen as indirect confirmation of the rumors circulating for days about “the arrest of Zhang Youxia and his family,” but the simultaneous downfall of two senior military figures on the same day has been described as dropping a “bombshell” within and outside the CCP system. People from various sectors at home and abroad quickly began interpreting and analyzing the situation, with rumors and speculations about an internal upheaval within the CCP military continuing to escalate.