Zhang Youxia’s Letter and the Collapse of Xi’s Authority

Jan 30, 2026 - 10:58

An open letter allegedly written by senior PLA general Zhang Youxia is shaking the foundations of Xi Jinping’s authority. In this episode, I break down the letter’s core warnings—about war, the collapse of collective leadership, and the deepening rift inside the CCP and the PLA. I also examine whether Zhang truly wrote the letter, and why its content matters regardless. Crucially, I look at the role of Hu Jintao, who reportedly made the blunt judgment: Xi must step down. Ignored military orders, Party elder pressure, and Hu Chunhua’s sudden move to Yunnan all point to a growing power crisis at the top of the system.