Sat Jan 24 07:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Xi Jinping’s Anti-Corruption Purge in the PLA Intensifies Amidst Rumors of Senior General’s Arrest

The Story:
Rumors are swirling regarding the potential arrest of Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, following his conspicuous absence from key leadership seminars in January 2026. These absences, coupled with overseas reports of a large-scale purge involving 17 senior military officials, have ignited speculation about a possible military shakeup. While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) remains silent on the matter, Taiwanese experts point to the opacity of the CCP’s internal processes and the concentration of power under Xi Jinping as contributing factors to the current uncertainty.

Key Points:

  • Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, has missed two key leadership seminars in January 2026.
  • Overseas reports allege the arrest of Zhang Youxia and 16 other senior military officials.
  • The CCP has not commented on these reports.
  • Taiwanese experts attribute the situation to Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power and the lack of transparency within the CCP system.
  • Past events, like the 2023 investigation into equipment procurement violations dating back to 2017, suggest a potential power struggle within the military.
  • The 2025 investigation that retroactively examined violations back to 2016 broke the unspoken rule to protect Zhang Youxia.
  • In November 12, 2025, the People’s Daily published an article by Zhang Youxia that referenced Xi Jinping repeatedly.
  • In October 2025, He Weidong and Miao Hua were purged.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CCP’s anti-corruption campaign within the military continues, potentially targeting high-ranking officials.
  • The lack of transparency within the CCP fuels speculation and uncertainty surrounding internal power dynamics.
  • Xi Jinping’s efforts to consolidate power and prevent dissent may be contributing to instability within the military.
  • Purging perceived disloyal members of the military is a common practice of the CCP.
  • The military purges expose the CCP’s overall weakness in maintaining power.

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