CCP Military’s Silence About Top General’s Ousting Indicates Internal Discontent: Analysts
Udumbara
.
Days after China’s top general was removed by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping, the Chinese military has remained silent.
Analysts said the silence of Chinese generals and commanders indicates turmoil within the CCP’s upper echelons, including possible fears of a potential coup.
The Chinese regime’s defense ministry suddenly announced that Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the CCP’s Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli, member of the Central Military Commission and chief of the Joint Staff Department, were removed from their positions on Jan. 24 and were being investigated.
On the same day, the PLA Daily, the official mouthpiece of the People’s Liberation Army, published an editorial severely criticizing Zhang and Liu for “seriously violating and undermining the system of responsibility under the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and endangering the foundation of the CCP’s rule.”
However, no official statements have been issued by various departments of the Central Military Commission or major military commands to support Xi’s purge of the two top generals—unlike previous incidents.
By contrast, following the removal of former Central Military Commission chairmen Xu Caihou in 2014 and Guo Boxiong in 2015, statements of support for Xi’s decision were issued throughout the military the very next day, including the four general departments of the military, the seven military regions, and branches such as the navy, air force, and Second Artillery Corps.
Chen Pokong, a U.S.-based senior China affairs commentator, told The Epoch Times that Zhang and Liu both have relatively positive images within the military and are considered to be seasoned generals.
“Both participated in the Vietnam War, making them the only two generals in the CCP with actual combat experience,” he said.
Chen said he believes that discontent has already spread within the military. “Zhang Youxia’s former subordinates may be trying to ascertain their former commander’s whereabouts or even attempting to rescue him. Xi Jinping must be wary of a potential military coup,” he said.
Under these circumstances, Xi took a significant risk by targeting Zhang and Liu, fearing dissent within the military, he said.
Case May Not Be Settled
There are signs showing that Zhao’s removal has not completely settled, and the power struggle within the CCP top echelons is ongoing, say experts.
Currently, Zhang Youxia’s past activities are still posted on the Chinese Ministry of National Defense’ website, while information about He Weidong, another vice chairman of the Central Military Commission who was removed from his position last year, has been completely deleted.
The CCP’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection’s official website deleted the previously reposted announcement from the Ministry of National Defense regarding Zhang’s removal on Jan. 24, for reasons unknown.
Shen Ming-shih, research fellow at the Division of National Security Research at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told The Epoch Times that the silence means that many military units are still observing the situation, because they don’t know whether Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhengli have been arrested, where they were detained, or whether they are still resisting arrest. Because the situation is still unclear, they have not yet made a statement or stance.
Prominent overseas democracy activist Tang Baiqiao posted on X.com on Jan. 25, “I have just received firsthand information that the Zhang Youxia case is not yet settled. Both sides are debating the legality of the arrest. Zhang’s family and some of his subordinates have publicly expressed dissatisfaction and demanded redress. The authorities have stopped further action [against Zhang]. Xi’s absolute authority has been challenged for the first time. The probability of things escalating is increasing.”
