【Epoch Times, January 26, 2026】As news of the investigation into the Central Military Commission Vice Chairmen Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli caused a stir online, the PLA’s Central Military Commission has issued the “Regulations on the Election of Party Organizations in the Military” (hereinafter referred to as the “Regulations”), set to take effect on February 1. Experts believe this move is aimed at consolidating Xi Jinping’s sole leadership core and reshuffling the remnants of fallen military leaders within the army to appoint his own people.
The “Regulations” emphasize the guidance of the so-called Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and position the Party Charter as the fundamental basis with the phrase “fundamental compliance.” It is said to summarize and absorb the “practical results” of the military since the 18th National Congress, emphasizing system design and innovation.
Just two days ago, the Chinese Defense Ministry, on behalf of Xi Jinping, announced the removal of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. Based on the official accusations in the military media, the consensus outside is that this is related to a coup and not corruption.
In an interview with Epoch Times, Shibata Akio stated that while the “Regulations” lack specifics, overall, it sends a significant message in a certain direction. He pointed out that the document exclusively revolves around Xi Jinping’s ideology and the establishment of his sole leadership core, pushing aside previous ideologies such as Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and the Three Represents.
He further analyzed that the current military is mainly composed of the Miao Hua, He Weidong group, and the Zhang Youxia group, who hold vital positions in the army. Therefore, Xi Jinping’s intention is to exclude all ties to these factions and appoint a new wave of personnel by changing the election methods.
Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Studies researcher Gong Xiangsheng, in an Epoch Times interview, stated that Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s charges severely betray the trust of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, undermine the Chairman’s system of responsibility, and endanger the Party’s absolute leadership over the military, threatening the Party’s governance foundation. He believes the introduction of the “Regulations” aims to implement intra-party elections and democratic centralism on paper while circumventing the influence of fallen military leaders on Party organizations.
A circulating military appointment list includes the assignments of senior officials to various roles within the military branches. Although the authenticity of this list is unclear, Gong Xiangsheng speculated that its release at this time may serve as a means to either expose certain individuals or rally support, highlighting the intense political calculations currently ongoing in the military.
With only Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin remaining in the Central Military Commission of the CCP, and with the rank of general being eliminated in political struggles at the Zhongnanhai headquarters, Gong Xiangsheng raised concerns about potential implications on military morale and upward career advancement pathways in the long run, hindering talent development within the military.
Zhang Youxia’s swift removal by Xi Jinping and public announcement aims to solidify the situation and prevent any possible uprising among his loyalists, according to Mainland media sources. The absence of any public displays of loyalty or support for Xi Jinping within the military at present has captured widespread attention, fueling various speculations on the current state of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli.
Shibata Akio believes that Xi Jinping has effectively suppressed the Zhang Youxia group to the point where no one in the military dares to voice any discontent, dismissing speculations of ongoing power struggles within the CCP as unfounded.
He argues that the likelihood of a mutiny in the Chinese military is now minimal due to the Party’s strict control over the army’s weapons and ammunition distribution. However, he acknowledged the rare possibility of Xi Jinping being assassinated if pushed to a desperate corner.
In contrast, a veteran financial media source from the Mainland expressed a divergent view, suggesting that the importance of making one’s stance known to maintain unity with the central authorities to prevent potential rebellions. Referring to historical instances such as the fall of the Qing Dynasty starting from a seemingly random event like the Wuchang Uprising, the source warned of potential uprisings at the local level triggered by a breakdown in centralized control and dissatisfaction among the populace.
Beijing scholar Ping Fu, in an interview, remarked on Xi Jinping’s current actions towards dismantling the military leadership akin to his previous moves against Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou. Ping Fu highlighted the weakened state of the CCP, indicating that the downfall of Zhang Youxia signifies a fatal blow to the entire regime, suggesting a hastened path toward the Party’s demise amidst internal struggles.
(Translated and rewritten by a news reporter)