Hu Chunhua Missing as Xi Jinping Faces Unusual Military Signals

Oct 23, 2026 - 09:46

More signs that Xi Jinping is losing control of China's military.
At the CCP's 90th Long March anniversary, Hu Chunhua was conspicuously absent, fueling speculation about Beijing's succession struggle. Meanwhile, PLA publications appear to be sending unusual political signals, and Xi has reportedly stopped visiting military units in 2026.
Now, new unverified reports claim Hu Chunhua secretly met retired PLA generals to seek their support—with one notable holdout.
Is China's military distancing itself from Xi? Is Hu Chunhua emerging as a potential successor? And what could this mean for the power struggle inside the CCP?
We examine the clues, competing factions, and unanswered questions behind Beijing's political turmoil.