In a surprising announcement on January 24, the Communist Party of China (CPC) suddenly declared that Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission Liu Zhenli, both senior military officials, are under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law. This news has sparked widespread attention from political observers in China, leaving many surprised. Subsequently, various interpretations and revelations have surfaced online, with some alleging that Zhang Youxia’s arrest is related to a “premeditated coup,” initiated by Xi Jinping.
The simultaneous downfall of Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Chief of Staff Liu Zhenli of the Central Military Commission, the second highest-ranking figures in the CPC military after Xi Jinping, has caused a global sensation. This move resulted in nearly “all members of the 20th Central Military Commission being removed from power,” except for Zhang Shengmin, who was urgently appointed as Vice Chairman of the Military Commission last year. This essentially leaves Xi as the sole military authority, leading to what is described as a “commander without troops” scenario since the Mao Zedong era. This shake-up has prompted widespread questioning: What did Zhang Youxia do?
During the tumultuous time of Zhang Youxia’s downfall, news of the passing of his “senior officer,” Chinese General Liao Xilong, also circulated online, drawing external attention. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from authorities regarding Liao Xilong’s passing.
Following the downfall of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, two key military figures, leading to a major earthquake in the CPC political arena, a declaration titled “A Letter to the People of the Nation” emerged on the Chinese mainland network, calling for a nationwide uprising to rid the country of harm. However, the source of this article has not been confirmed.
On January 24, 2026, the Divine Performing Arts troupe from the United States performed two sold-out shows at the Chiayi County Performing Arts Center in Taiwan, continuing the enthusiastic response from previous days. The performances attracted not only political and business figures from Chiayi and surrounding areas but also a large group of fans from Vietnam who came specifically to experience this acclaimed “world’s top show,” with the venue packed to capacity and a vibrant atmosphere.
Renowned American free solo rock climber Alex Honnold’s challenge to climb Taipei 101, a 508-meter skyscraper, bare-handed, was live-streamed and caught the simultaneous attention of Chinese mainland netizens. Following Honnold’s successful ascent without protection, discussions surrounding the feat continued to gain traction, propelling “Taipei 101” to the top spot on Weibo’s trending list.
Amidst the major shake-up in the CPC military leadership, where both Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Department Chief Liu Zhenli were unexpectedly removed from their positions on January 24, the CIA released a video seeking the truth about China just before Zhang Youxia’s downfall.
With both top CPC military officials tumbling down on the same day, causing a “nuclear explosion” within the CPC military, experts believe that this event has dealt a significant blow to the CPC regime and Xi Jinping. Some analysts suggest that the intense infighting within the CPC indicates that Xi Jinping has no way back.
Cai Shengkun: Zhang Youxia had long been marked for downfall, while Zhang Shengmin’s clock is ticking
On January 24, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense confirmed that Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department, Liu Zhenli, were under investigation for serious violations of discipline and law. As a representative figure among the “Second Generation Red,” Zhang Youxia’s removal is seen as a symbolic event marking a rupture between Xi Jinping and traditional military forces. Analysis indicates that this unprecedented purge, involving multiple high-ranking officers, reflects a white-hot phase in the power struggle at the highest levels of the CPC.
An editorial in the CPC military newspaper sharply criticized Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, escalating accusations suggesting involvement in a coup?
Wang Youqun: CPC’s rogue attacks on Shen Yun becoming an international laughingstock
The global tour of Shen Yun Performing Arts in 2026 is being staged in top theaters across five continents, receiving warm welcome and high praise from mainstream audiences worldwide.
Zhong Yuan: Zhang Youxia’s arrest leads to the public division within the CPC
After Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s absence from the provincial-level officials’ training program on January 20, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson announced their investigation just four days later, breaking the CPC’s customary practice of delaying official statements on high-ranking officials. This unexpected move, amid the New Year, disrupted the political deadlock in Zhongnanhai. The visible internal rift within the CPC signals a failure in the party’s preservation efforts, heading toward an endgame.
Xi Jinping believes in “pushing the chart”? New York Chinese community discusses Zhang Youxia’s arrest
On the afternoon of January 24, the CPC officially announced the arrests of Vice Chairman of the Military Commission Zhang Youxia and Military Commission member and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department Liu Zhenli, pointing to escalating political turmoil within the CPC and marking the eve of a major change in China.
Analysis: Xi declares war on three forces, while the CPC’s governing base is crumbling
CPC military heads Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli were unseated on Saturday (24th). Some analysts believe that CPC leader Xi Jinping is now formally at war with three forces, saying, “What comes next may leave us stunned.” “The more terrifying part is yet to come.”
Zhang Youxia’s investigation: Official announcement hints at abnormality as instability rocks the CPC
On January 24, 2026, the CPC officially announced the downfall of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department, Liu Zhenli. Regarding this sudden and significant political event, analysts point out that there may be deep-seated political maneuvers behind this “official announcement,” and Beijing is facing unprecedented uncertainties in its political landscape.