【Epoch Times News – October 8, 2025】With only two weeks left before the Fourth Plenary Session of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the power struggle between anti-Xi factions and pro-Xi forces has intensified.
The latest revelations indicate that Xi Jinping has been sending messages to all central committee members of the pro-Xi camp through one-on-one communication, instructing them to resist internal splinter groups and defend his core leadership.
Additionally, a secret meeting was held by Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao, and Zhang Youxia, where Zhang Youxia reportedly made five impactful statements, signaling the military’s bottom line and urging preparedness for emergency situations.
Today in the Epoch Focus, we analyze the political risks and potential crisis of this power struggle.
On October 6, commentator “Xiaoshuojia” pointed out on his YouTube program that multiple sources have confirmed Xi Jinping’s issuance of a mobilization order, reaching all central committee members of the Xi camp through one-on-one oral communication. The essence of this order implies that there are elements within the party promoting division, urging central committee members to staunchly uphold the “two confirms” and achieve the “two defends” at the upcoming Fourth Plenary Session, engaging in a struggle against the so-called “splinter forces.”
This revelation corroborates a previously discussed issue of whether Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao could potentially remove Xi Jinping through normal party procedures, which seems nearly impossible given that most central committee members are aligned with Xi Jinping.
Unless significant issues about Xi Jinping are publicly exposed at the central committee level before voting, tarnishing Xi Jinping’s reputation entirely and compelling all central committee members to abandon him, the normal voting process might not lead to Xi Jinping’s removal.
There have been speculations that the elders hold a trump card— the case of Li Keqiang’s death. Failure by Xi Jinping to voluntarily resign at the Fourth Plenary Session as agreed with the elders would prompt them to open an investigation into Li Keqiang’s death. Exposing the truth behind Li Keqiang’s assassination could lead to Xi Jinping being shunned by the entire party, sealing his political demise.
However, even though the investigation plan is on the table for the elders, it is viewed as a long-term deterrence option rather than an immediate solution. The investigation process would be extensive and might not yield results quickly.
Furthermore, if Xi Jinping continues to hold power after the Fourth Plenary Session, the time-consuming investigation would lose its value, as under Xi Jinping’s interference, the investigation’s findings would likely support Li Keqiang’s death as natural causes.
Hence, it is suggested that normal voting procedures may not suffice to remove Xi Jinping. Introducing an investigation into Li Keqiang’s death might not address the urgent issue of power transition effectively.
If Xi Jinping does not resign voluntarily, Zhang Youxia and others may resort to forcing his resignation through military pressure.
According to “Shandong Hefu,” on October 6, Zhang Youxia and Liu Yuan recently met with Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, convening discussions with Wang Yang and Hu Chunhua regarding Xi Jinping’s position and potential extreme scenarios in the future.
Insider information reveals that this meeting took place at a heavily guarded mansion in Beijing’s West Hills. Lasting over two hours, during the talks, Zhang Youxia made five striking statements, each pinpointing sensitive aspects of the current party situation.
The five impactful statements made by Zhang Youxia are highlighted as follows:
1. If Xi Jinping does not fully or voluntarily step down at the Fourth Plenary Session, the consequences for Zhang Youxia would be severe, a message intended for the senior leaders. Zhang emphasized that while the army’s loyalty is foundational to the party, loyalty should not equate to blind obedience. Internal pressures within the military would intensify if the Fourth Plenary Session goes against the rules, making the situation challenging. Zhang made it clear that the burden on his shoulders is significant, and if matters spiral out of control, the consequences would be well understood by all.
2. Zhang warned that should Xi Jinping not step down at the Fourth Plenary Session, Wang Yang and Hu Chunhua would face significant personal safety risks. This was not mere speculation but based on signals within the military.
Addressing Wang Yang and Hu Chunhua directly, Zhang expressed concern about the monitoring of their actions. In an unexpected turn of events, if the Fourth Plenary Session’s outcome falls short of expectations, their positions could be endangered.
3. Zhang highlighted that internal party struggles might escalate from subterfuge to overt conflicts, possibly escalating into armed conflicts.
During the conversation, Zhang cautioned Hu Jintao about the potential escalation of conflicts within the party, emphasizing that dormant conflicts might resurface. Without proper resolution, these conflicts could transform into open or even armed confrontations.
Dwelling on the events of 2012, where Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao clashed with the attempted power grab by Bo Xilai and Zhou Yongkang, Liu Yuan reminded them of the brutality of internal party struggles. Comparing the current situation to the past, Liu Yuan stressed the importance of preparation and warned against underestimating the consequences.
Furthermore, Liu Yuan alluded to the delicate balance of power, where Hu Jintao and Zhang Youxia must secure nominal party leadership, ensuring legitimacy for their actions against Xi Jinping at the Fourth Plenary Session.
4. Addressing the possibility of Xi Jinping’s reluctance to relinquish power, Zhang deemed it necessary for the senior leaders to devise emergency plans. Zhang expressed concerns over his potential inability to control the situation if Xi Jinping defies expectations, highlighting the military’s boundaries. Zhang appealed for preparation and the formulation of contingency plans in anticipation of unfavorable developments.
Zhang’s statement hinted at a scenario where Xi Jinping’s resistance to hand over power could provoke military discontent, potentially resulting in public defiance, a situation beyond Zhang’s control.
5. Zhang acknowledged the irreversibility of certain actions, likening them to a rolling stone tumbling down a high mountain. While advocating for guidance, Zhang stressed the unpredictable outcomes, emphasizing the limitations of control.
While the authenticity of these revelations remains unverified, the content aligns with Zhang Youxia’s seasoned military background and provides insightful perspectives on military readiness.
These revelations underscore the gravity of the standoff between anti-Xi factions and Xi Jinping’s camp, illustrating the dire circumstances faced by the former.
On one hand, Hu Jintao aims to keep party struggles discreet, hoping for a smooth transition by prompting Xi Jinping’s voluntary resignation. However, Zhang Youxia exposes the flaws in Hu Jintao’s plan, emphasizing Xi Jinping’s unpredictability. Should Xi Jinping deviate from the internal agreement at the Fourth Plenary Session, a scenario bound to occur, what emergency actions should be taken? Would the military need to physically remove Xi Jinping from the meeting venue?
Regardless of the authenticity of these revelations, they address a crucial concern—whether Hu Jintao has devised a plan that reassures and satisfies the military should Xi Jinping resist stepping down voluntarily.
In times of turmoil and uncertainty, decisive actions by military leaders often steer a nation’s destiny.
Faced with the looming power crisis in the heart of the court, the choices of Zhang Youxia and Liu Yuan could hold the key to the nation’s fate.
Observing the history-setting Chenqiao Coup by Zhao Kuangyin, from the current power crisis in the heart of Zhongnanhai, it is evident that military decisions have the potential to shape a nation’s future.
Amidst the unrest and ambiguity of the times, who will make the decisive move, and who may miss the opportune moment?
The next few weeks will be a global focal point of attention.