On January 24th, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced that Zhang Youxia, a member of the Central Political Bureau and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, a member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of the Joint Staff of the Central Military Commission, are under investigation for “serious violations of discipline and law.” Former Chinese Communist Party officials revealed that Zhang and Liu were allegedly planning to launch a coup, but their plans were thwarted due to someone’s tip-off. It is reported that Xi Jinping is fearing that Zhang’s former subordinates might lead troops into Beijing, hence he has ordered all local forces to stay put, with the situation remaining volatile at all times.
After the official announcement of Zhang and Liu’s downfall by the CCP, former Inner Mongolian official Du Wen exclaimed on a self-media program, “Oh my, the entire CCP army has been completely turned upside down.” He believes that Xi Jinping has set a record in the history of the Communist Party, including the Soviet Communist Party, for the extensive purge within the military system. “Two vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission and the Chief of Staff have been eliminated. This is not just a purge, a storm has erupted within the CCP, a coup has taken place.”
Since the CCP tightly controls propaganda within the country, there is limited information available on the mainland China internet, aside from official announcements. Comments under related news on Weibo are either supportive of the central government’s decision or comment sections are disabled.
Citing inside sources, Du Wen relayed that there is widespread speculation within China that a coup has occurred. Zhang and Liu allegedly attempted a coup against Xi Jinping, under the pretext of “responding to internal and external party calls to save the Communist Party in the party’s name,” which led to their downfall due to betrayal. Xi Jinping narrowly escaped being overthrown by setting a trap for Zhang and Liu.
Du Wen expressed concern that Zhang’s former subordinates might deploy tanks, fighter jets, and bombers to attack the South China Sea and target Xi Jinping. He analyzed that after the arrest of Wei Dong, the situation was critical for Liu and Zhang as they knew their time had come and decided to act, however, they underestimated Xi Jinping’s network within the military.
According to Du Wen, Xi Jinping has now placed all military cadres on high alert, with orders to cease all activities and await instructions from the central government. The CCP military is currently going through its most tense period since its establishment, as more than a thousand generals promoted by Zhang have all been brought under control. Xi has a private army similar to Mao Zedong’s 8341 Unit.
Du Wen indicated that there is a consensus within the CCP that as long as Xi Jinping remains alive, the Communist Party will not thrive, and there is hope only if Xi Jinping is removed from power. Many military personnel view this as a moment to save the party and the nation. There are rumors circulating that a large-scale rebellion within the CCP military could occur at any moment. Currently, all military units have been placed on high alert, with personnel returning to their posts and all external communications via mobile phones suspended. “Xi demands that all units remain in position and no movements allowed. He is extremely fearful of forces advancing on Beijing.”
He emphasized that this event represents a structural fracture within the CCP military, shedding light on Xi Jinping’s comprehensive distrust in the CCP military system.
Zhang Youxia’s last public appearance was on December 22, 2025, when he attended the promotion ceremony for generals held by the Central Military Commission and read out Xi Jinping’s promotion order.
Prior to their removal, Zhang and Liu were absent from a high-level party and government officials seminar on January 20, and continued to miss the closing ceremony on January 23, sparking rumors of their downfall.
Independent commentator Cai Shunkun posted on X on January 23, asserting the accuracy of the news that Zhang and 17 senior military leaders had been detained. The Ministry of Public Security, the Central Guard Bureau, and the Central Discipline Inspection Commission jointly participated in the arrests, which can be likened to a significant military incident.
Retired General Flynn, former director of the US Defense Intelligence Agency and assistant to national security affairs, reposted Cai Shunkun’s post on January 23, commenting, “Urgent: A political upheaval is occurring in the Chinese Communist Party/within China! There seems to be massive turmoil within the CCP’s internal and military leadership. These conditions resemble a coup, the consequences of which will directly impact US foreign policy, military deployments in the Indo-Pacific region, and the overall future direction of US-China relations.”