Senior military officials reportedly planned to arrest President Xi Jinping on January 18, but the operation failed after the Chinese head of state was alerted beforehand and took action. That's how some sources explain that China's top general has been removed from office amid persistent rumors in Beijing of an alleged armed confrontation and accusations of treason.
US President Xi Jinping/PHOTO: Shutterstock
Zhang Youxia, long considered one of Xi's closest allies, is reportedly under investigation after allegedly passing sensitive information related to China's nuclear arsenal to the United States, according to sources cited by international media.
Chinese authorities have not officially confirmed these allegations. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) only announced that General Zhang was being investigated for “serious violations of discipline and state law.”
His removal is part of a broad anti-corruption campaign launched by Xi Jinping after coming to power in 2012, which has seen more than 200,000 officials sanctioned.
Another high-ranking general, Liu Zhenli, has also been placed under investigation by the Chinese Communist Party.
Speculation and lack of official information
Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian, from the National University of Singapore, told the BBC that the rumors reflected both the system's lack of transparency and Xi Jinping's consolidation of power.
“There is talk of leaking nuclear secrets to the United States, of coup plots and even of an armed confrontation in Beijing. But these speculations show, firstly, that Xi Jinping remains unchallenged, and secondly, how limited access to credible information is.” he said.
Zhang Youxia, 75, was a member of the Politburo and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the supreme commanding body of the Chinese military.
According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the investigation would have revealed a possible leak of sensitive military data, discussed in a confidential briefing at the end of the week.
Allegations of corruption and infighting
In addition to the nuclear security suspicions, Zhang has been accused of undermining party unity by creating “political cliques” as well as abuse of power and bribery.
Among the allegations mentioned is the promotion of former defense minister Li Shangfu, dismissed in 2023 and expelled from the party a year later for corruption.
An important part of the evidence is said to come from Gu Jun, a former director of the China National Nuclear Corporation, the state-owned company that manages both China's civilian and military nuclear programs. Gu Jun is in turn being investigated for disciplinary violations.
The military's official newspaper, the PLA Daily, said the case demonstrates the party's “zero tolerance” for corruption, regardless of rank.
Impact on military and Taiwan
Analysts say Zhang Youxia's removal could delay any attempt by China to use force against Taiwan. The general was considered a key player in the modernization of the Chinese military.
Lyle Morris, an expert at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington, compared Xi's actions to “the biggest purge in modern Chinese history since 1949,” warning that the People's Liberation Army could be temporarily disorganized.
Currently, the Central Military Commission has been reduced to just two members: Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin, who oversees anti-corruption in the military.
Rumors of tensions and possible riots
The absence of Generals Zhang and Liu from a televised party seminar further fueled speculation. Unconfirmed videos have circulated online that would show columns of military equipment heading towards Beijing.
Some commentators outside of China have spoken of the risk of a military uprising, but there is no independent evidence to support these claims.
OSINT analysts point out that while there are signs of internal tensions and disagreements over strategy towards Taiwan, there are no indications that Beijing is preparing for an imminent military conflict.
