The Escalation of the Disciplinary Campaign
Zhang Youxia’s dismissal is not an isolated incident, but part of a long series of purges orchestrated by Xi Jinping since he assumed the presidency in 2012. Since then, more than 200,000 officials have been punished as part of a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that has affected all sectors of Chinese society, but particularly the military. The scale of this purge has now reached unprecedented heights, with dozens of generals having fallen from grace since 2023 alone, including two successive defense ministers. This unprecedented wave of sanctions demonstrates the Chinese president’s unwavering determination to regain full control of an army he considers a potential threat to his authority.
October 2025 had already seen the expulsion from the Communist Party of He Weidong, the other vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, who was replaced by Zhang Shengmin, a Xi loyalist. With the simultaneous ouster of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, the commission’s chief of staff, the entire military high command has been decapitated in the space of just a few months. This mass purge at the highest levels of the Chinese military hierarchy raises numerous questions about the internal cohesion of the People’s Liberation Army and the institution’s ability to function normally after such a severe blow. Analysts note that this escalation in the disciplinary campaign comes as China faces major geopolitical challenges, particularly in its strained relationship with Donald Trump’s United States and the thorny issue of Taiwan.
There is something almost chilling about this ruthless mechanism. For more than a decade, Xi Jinping has been taking a methodical approach. He is methodically dismantling anything that could pose even a potential threat to his power. Two hundred thousand people punished—it’s a staggering number. And it’s not over yet. It seems as though he’s obsessed with the idea of controlling everyone, all the time. The military is the pillar of power in China, and he’s in the process of destroying it to rebuild it in his own image. It’s pure control, organized paranoia. I wonder what’s really going on in the minds of those generals who sleep on golden pillows every night, knowing that everything could change overnight. That’s living in constant terror. How can you lead an army under these conditions?
The Impact on the Chain of Command
The vacuum created by these successive dismissals leaves Xi Jinping virtually alone at the helm of an army of more than two million soldiers, which he is attempting to modernize at a breakneck pace as part of his “Chinese Dream” of national rebirth. This extreme concentration of military power in the hands of a single man poses considerable risks, both operationally and strategically. The absence of checks and balances within the military high command deprives the institution of the diversity of viewpoints and collective expertise necessary for making complex decisions in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment. The remaining military officers, aware of the fragility of their position, may be tempted to engage in excessive self-censorship, thereby limiting their ability to offer candid advice and bold strategic recommendations.
Furthermore, this instability at the top of the Chinese military hierarchy could have repercussions on the armed forces’ operational readiness and their ability to conduct complex operations, particularly in the event of a potential conflict over Taiwan. Current generals, fearing for their own careers, might prioritize caution and conformity over tactical or strategic innovation. This atmosphere of widespread suspicion also risks affecting troop morale and unit cohesion—essential elements for an effective modern army. Defense experts are particularly concerned about the impact of these purges on China’s nuclear capabilities, as the country pursues an ambitious program to modernize its nuclear arsenal amid growing tensions with the United States.
I am struck by the paradox of this situation. Xi Jinping wants to turn China into a military superpower capable of rivaling the United States, but at the same time, he is destroying the very foundations of that power by purging his best generals. It is as if an architect were demolishing the foundations of a skyscraper in the middle of construction. How can anyone claim to lead a modern, effective army when no one dares to tell the leader the truth for fear of being dismissed? I’m thinking of the soldiers on the ground, who need competent and experienced leaders to guide them. If they sense that their superiors are paralyzed by fear, how can they have confidence in their mission? It’s a recipe for disaster. And then there’s that loneliness at the top… Xi Jinping all alone, managing an army of two million men—it scares me. Such a concentration of power in the hands of a single man is dangerous for everyone.
Section 3: The Tense Geopolitical Context
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The Standoff with Donald Trump’s United States
This military purge is taking place against a backdrop of heightened tensions between China and the United States, exacerbated by Donald Trump’s election and the release of a new U.S. National Defense Strategy. The document published by the Trump administration marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach, shifting the U.S. focus toward dominance in the Western Hemisphere rather than toward the traditional policy of containing China. This U.S. strategic repositioning—which prioritizes a “decent peace” acceptable to both sides over an existential struggle—could be interpreted by Beijing as an opportunity or as a sign of weakness, prompting the Chinese regime to accelerate its own geopolitical ambitions.
The U.S. strategy also reflects Trump’s growing frustration with U.S. allies who are not contributing enough to their own defense, suggesting that Washington will now expect more from its international partners. This approach could leave geopolitical gaps that China might seek to fill, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and the Western Hemisphere, exacerbating regional rivalries. At the same time, China continues to develop its military capabilities, particularly in the areas of cyber defense, hypersonic technologies, and space, fueling concerns among the U.S. and its allies regarding the regional balance of power. Recent Chinese naval maneuvers in the South China Sea and tensions surrounding Taiwan illustrate this military escalation against a backdrop of weakened diplomacy.
What fascinates and worries me at the same time is the way these two leaders, Trump and Xi, are playing a game of chess on a global scale. Trump, with his “America First” approach, seems intent on disengaging the United States from certain international responsibilities, creating a vacuum that China might seek to fill. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping is destroying his own military power base through sheer paranoia. It’s like two boxers punching at thin air. The problem is that the ring is the entire world, and we are all spectators—and perhaps victims—of this absurd fight. I really wonder if these leaders realize the potential consequences of their actions. A war between China and the United States would be catastrophic for all of humanity. And yet, it feels as though they’re playing with fire as if it were a game.
The Taiwan Issue at the Center of Concerns
The Taiwan issue remains the most sensitive point of friction between China and the United States, and China’s recent military purges could have direct implications for how this hot-button issue is handled. Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with mainland China, by force if necessary, while Taipei maintains its de facto autonomy and enjoys U.S. political and military support. China’s military capabilities to carry out a large-scale operation against Taiwan are now being called into question by some observers, who point to the devastating consequences of the purges on the high command and the operational readiness of Chinese forces.
The ouster of Zhang Youxia, regarded as an expert in defense and strategic planning, could particularly affect China’s preparedness for a potential conflict over the island. This general possessed invaluable experience gained over decades of service and participation in complex operations, particularly in the naval domain. His sudden disappearance from the Chinese military landscape creates a void in terms of expertise and operational leadership that could take years to fill. Tensions surrounding Taiwan have escalated significantly in recent months, with increased incursions by Chinese aircraft and ships into the island’s air defense identification zone and increasingly bellicose statements from Chinese authorities.
The Taiwan issue is particularly close to my heart, as it represents the most immediate risk of major conflict in the world today. Twenty-four million people live on this island, with their own democracy and their own way of life, and Communist China wants to “reunify” them by force if necessary. This is intolerable. And now, with these purges, one might wonder whether the Chinese military is truly capable of carrying out such a complex military operation. I want to believe this will hold them back, but it could also make them more unpredictable, more dangerous. A leader who feels his power is threatened might be tempted to trigger an external crisis to bolster his domestic support. It’s a scenario that haunts me. Twenty-four million human lives are at stake, and all because of a geopolitical power struggle. It drives me crazy.
Section 4: International Implications
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Growing Concern Among Asian Allies
Recent military purges in China have sparked growing concern among the United States’ Asian allies, who view instability within China’s top military leadership as a potential source of unpredictability and danger. Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, in particular, are closely monitoring developments, aware that any destabilization of the People’s Liberation Army could have direct consequences for their own security. These countries, which have traditionally relied on U.S. protection in the face of China’s military rise, fear that the purges could weaken internal control mechanisms within the Chinese military, thereby increasing the risk of unauthorized actions or strategic miscalculations.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes ten countries bordering the South China Sea—a major area of tension with China—has also expressed its concerns. Beijing’s aggressive territorial claims in this strategic region, rich in natural resources and crucial to global maritime trade, are already a constant source of friction. Instability within the Chinese military command could exacerbate these tensions if local commanders seek to prove their worth or loyalty through more aggressive actions. ASEAN member countries are gradually strengthening their defense cooperation and increasing their military budgets in response to what they perceive as a growing threat from the north.
I am struck by the chain reaction these purges are triggering across Asia. It’s like throwing a pebble into water—the concentric circles keep expanding endlessly. Every country, from Japan to the Philippines, is wondering what this means for its own security. And they are right to be concerned. A powerful but unstable military is like a ticking time bomb. I think of the civilians in these countries, who live with this constant anxiety. All they want is to live in peace, raise their children, and work, but they are held hostage in these power games between giants. It’s unfair. It’s a fundamental injustice of our world today. Millions of people live in fear of something they have no control over, because of decisions made by a handful of leaders in distant palaces.
The International Community’s Response
The international community as a whole is closely monitoring developments in China, although official reactions remain measured to avoid exacerbating diplomatic tensions. The United States, through the Pentagon and the State Department, has expressed “concern” regarding the transparency and stability of China’s military chain of command, emphasizing the importance of clear communication channels to prevent misunderstandings and accidental incidents. The European Union, for its part, is taking a more cautious stance, prioritizing dialogue with Beijing while maintaining heightened vigilance regarding military and security developments in the Asia-Pacific region.
Human rights organizations and military watchdog groups have also reacted to the purges, highlighting the risks posed by an excessive concentration of military power in the hands of a single individual and the lack of checks and balances within the Chinese system. These organizations are calling on the international community to exert greater pressure on China to comply with international standards regarding military transparency and governance. However, divisions among major powers and conflicting economic interests are currently limiting the international community’s ability to respond in a coordinated and effective manner to the challenges posed by instability within China’s military high command.
It’s always fascinating to see how the international community reacts to this kind of situation. Everyone is concerned, everyone is worried, but no one wants to rock the boat too much for fear of disrupting trade or diplomatic relations. That’s what I call the hypocrisy of international diplomacy. People use empty words like “concern” and “vigilance,” but in reality, nothing changes. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping continues his purges, continues to consolidate power, and continues to establish an increasingly authoritarian system. And the world watches, powerless. It’s depressing. It seems that the economy and profits take precedence over democratic principles and human rights. I’m losing hope that we’ll ever see true international solidarity in the face of situations like this.
Section 5: Economic Implications
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The Impact on China’s Military Industry
China’s military industry, which has experienced spectacular growth over the past two decades, could suffer the indirect consequences of the massive purges within the high command. The close ties between the military and China’s defense industry—composed mainly of state-owned enterprises—mean that instability within the military could spread to the entire military-industrial complex. Modernization projects and the development of new weapons—crucial to China’s ambition to rival the United States militarily—could be delayed or disrupted by frequent leadership changes and the prioritization of political loyalty over technical competence.
Companies specializing in cutting-edge technologies—such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic systems, and cyber warfare, fields in which China seeks to establish strategic superiority—could be particularly affected. These sectors require organizational stability and a long-term vision to develop sophisticated capabilities, which is incompatible with an environment marked by constant purges and widespread suspicion. Furthermore, engineers and researchers working in these sensitive fields could be discouraged by the prevailing atmosphere of fear, risking a flight to the private sector or even abroad, leading to a brain drain that undermines China’s military ambitions.
Here, too, the paradox is striking. Xi Jinping wants to make China the technological and military superpower of the 21st century, but at the same time, he is destroying the very conditions necessary to achieve this. How can one innovate, create, and develop cutting-edge technologies when an atmosphere of terror prevails? The best minds need freedom, trust, and stability to create. I think of all those Chinese engineers and researchers—likely brilliant—who must work in constant fear of being accused of “disciplinary violations” or a lack of loyalty. It is an immense waste for all of humanity. So much potential, so much talent, stifled by the paranoia of a single man. It makes me want to scream in frustration.
The consequences for the Chinese economy as a whole
The recent military purges could also have broader repercussions for the Chinese economy, which faces significant structural challenges, including an aging population, a real estate sector in crisis, and sluggish consumer spending. The massive military modernization undertaken by Xi Jinping represents a colossal investment—estimated at several hundred billion dollars a year—which may need to be redirected or scaled back if the military’s operational capabilities are compromised by the purges. This potential reallocation of resources could impact the Chinese government’s other economic priorities.
Furthermore, the political and military instability created by the purges could affect the confidence of international investors, which has already been weakened by China’s increasingly assertive policy on the international stage. Western companies, in particular, may hesitate to invest in China or maintain their operations there, fearing heightened political risks and growing regulatory unpredictability. This mistrust could lead to a decline in foreign direct investment, thereby slowing China’s economic growth at a time when the country is seeking to revive its economy after years of slowdown. International financial markets have, in fact, reacted nervously to announcements regarding the military purges, reflecting investors’ concerns about the long-term stability of China’s political and economic system.
This is yet another example of how everything is connected in our globalized world. A decision made in the presidential palace in Beijing can have repercussions on financial markets in New York, on factories in Germany, and on investments in Africa. This interdependence is both a strength and a weakness. When things are going well, everyone benefits. But when things go wrong—as they are now—the problems spread across the entire world. I’m thinking of the ordinary workers in China, who are already suffering from a struggling economy. They didn’t ask for these purges. They just want to live their lives and provide for their families. But they’re going to pay the price. It’s always the same people who bear the brunt. The poor, the working class, ordinary people. As for the leaders, they’ll continue to live in their gilded palaces. It makes my blood boil.
Section 6: Lessons from History
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Historical Precedents for Military Purges
History is replete with examples of military purges that have had devastating consequences for the nations involved, offering valuable lessons for understanding the current situation in China. The Soviet Union under Stalin, in the 1930s, experienced one of the most brutal military purges in modern history, with the execution or imprisonment of the majority of the Red Army’s senior officers, including three of the five marshals. This decimation of the Soviet military command severely weakened the army, contributing to the USSR’s initial setbacks in the face of the Nazi invasion in 1941. It took the Soviet army years to recover from this bloodletting, paying a terrible price in human lives before finally repelling the German forces.
More recently, Turkey under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan carried out a sweeping purge of its armed forces following the failed coup attempt of 2016. More than 15,000 military personnel were dismissed from their posts, and thousands more were arrested or imprisoned. This massive purge significantly weakened the Turkish army’s operational capabilities, affecting its combat effectiveness and readiness. The consequences have been felt in Turkey’s overseas operations, particularly in Syria, where the military has shown signs of disorganization and incompetence. These historical examples suggest that military purges, though motivated by political considerations, almost invariably have negative consequences for the operational effectiveness and combat readiness of the armed forces.
History teaches us, but it seems that leaders never heed these lessons. Stalin, Erdoğan, and now Xi Jinping… all believed they could purge their armies without serious consequences. And all were wrong. Such is the arrogance of power. The conviction that one is smarter than those who came before, that the rules of history do not apply to oneself. I am struck by this relentless repetition of past mistakes. It’s like watching a Greek tragedy play out again and again, with different actors but the same catastrophic script. And it is always the ordinary soldiers, the rank-and-file recruits, who pay the price for these delusions of grandeur. It is an injustice that breaks my heart every time I think about it.
The Specifics of the Chinese Case
However, the Chinese case has distinctive features that set it apart from previous historical examples and make the potential consequences of these purges particularly difficult to predict. Unlike the Soviet Union of the 1930s, today’s China is deeply integrated into the global economy and has a considerably more advanced industrial and technological base. This international integration could both moderate the effects of the purges by providing external safeguards and exacerbate the risks by creating vulnerable interdependencies. Similarly, unlike Turkey, China operates on a much larger scale, with a population of 1.4 billion and a military of more than two million soldiers, which means that the effects of the purges could be cushioned by sheer scale, but also be more difficult to contain or control.
Another important distinction lies in the Chinese political system, which combines centralized authoritarian control with a complex bureaucracy and mechanisms of internal factionalism. The current purges could be interpreted not only as a consolidation of Xi Jinping’s personal power, but also as a profound reorganization of the balance of power within the Chinese elite. This reconfiguration could lead to a more stable system in the long term if it succeeds in eliminating corrupt or incompetent elements, or, conversely, to chronic instability if it fuels internal resentment and opposition. The unique nature of Xi Jinping’s “Chinese Dream,” which blends nationalist ambitions with technological modernization, adds an extra dimension to these purges, linking them to a large-scale national transformation project.
What baffles me even more is the complexity of modern China. It is no longer Mao’s China, isolated from the world. It is a global economic power, integrated at every level. Logically, this integration should act as a check on authoritarian excesses, but in practice, that does not seem to be the case. On the contrary, it gives the Chinese regime even more resources to pursue its ambitions. I wonder if Western leaders truly realize the nature of the system they’re competing against. It’s not just an economy; it’s a totalitarian political project with unprecedented technological capabilities. It scares me. It really scares me. History hasn’t prepared us for this. A modern, powerful, technologically advanced authoritarian state… It’s a new challenge for humanity.
Section 7: Possible Future Scenarios
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The Scenario of Power Consolidation
The first possible scenario—and perhaps the most likely in the short term—is that of a successful consolidation of power by Xi Jinping. By systematically eliminating any potential opposition within the military, the Chinese president could succeed in establishing unprecedented control over the armed forces, enabling him to carry out his program of military modernization and the realization of the “Chinese Dream.” In this scenario, the purges—though painful in the short term—would ultimately result in a more loyal, disciplined, and effective military, fully devoted to Xi Jinping’s strategic vision. The remaining generals, aware that their careers depend on their absolute loyalty to the leader, would focus on faithfully carrying out his directives, avoiding the internal dissension that has at times paralyzed the Chinese military in the past.
This scenario of power consolidation could result in a more assertive China on the international stage, more inclined to use its enhanced military capabilities to defend its interests and promote its worldview. The Taiwan issue could be resolved by force or the threat of force, allowing Beijing to achieve one of its major strategic objectives. At the same time, China could expand its influence in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, capitalizing on the apparent weakness of the United States under the Trump administration and divisions within the European Union. This scenario would lead to a multipolar world dominated by a more confident and powerful China, ready to challenge Western hegemony in every sphere, from the economy to technology to geopolitics.
That is the scenario that frightens me the most. An even more powerful, more confident, and more aggressive China, with a military entirely devoted to a single man. It resembles the worst nightmares of the Cold War—but worse. I’m thinking of China’s neighbors—Vietnam, South Korea, Japan… They’ll feel even more threatened, even more compelled to arm themselves. It’s an arms race in Asia, and no one knows where it will end. And then there’s this concept of the “Chinese Dream”… What exactly are we talking about here? The dream of world domination? The dream of imposing an authoritarian model on the entire planet? To me, that’s a nightmare, not a dream. And what fills me with despair is that I don’t really see how the West could prevent it. We’re watching this rise in power, powerless to do anything about it.
The Scenario of Growing Instability
The second possible scenario is one of growing instability within China’s political and military system, following the massive purges carried out by Xi Jinping. The elimination of such a large number of experienced and competent leaders could create gaps in leadership and expertise that are difficult to fill, leading to a gradual deterioration of the military’s operational capabilities. The remaining generals, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, might prove incapable of making bold decisions or offering candid advice, leading to paralysis within the high command. This situation could be exacerbated by growing factional rivalries among the various cliques within the Chinese elite, each seeking to capitalize on the vacuum left by the purges to increase its own power.
In this scenario, the Chinese military might prove incapable of effectively conducting complex operations, jeopardizing Beijing’s strategic ambitions, particularly regarding Taiwan or territorial claims in the South China Sea. Military or diplomatic failures could in turn weaken Xi Jinping’s position, fueling internal dissent and potentially triggering a premature succession crisis. Such a crisis could have devastating consequences for the stability of China and the region, and even for the global economy as a whole, given China’s central importance in the international economic system. This scenario of growing instability, though less likely in the short term than that of power consolidation, is becoming increasingly plausible as the purges continue and intensify.
This is the scenario I hope for, but one that also worries me because of its unpredictability. An unstable China could be even more dangerous than a powerful and controlled China. We’ve seen what happens in other countries when dictators start to lose control… It often ends in chaos, violence, and sometimes even civil war. With a population of 1.4 billion and thousands of nuclear weapons, this poses an existential threat to all of humanity. I’d rather imagine that the purges will eventually weaken Xi Jinping to the point where he himself is overthrown. But by whom? By whom? And what chaos would follow? It’s a Greek tragedy in the making. The Chinese people deserve better than this. They deserve freedom, democracy, and peace. But I fear that the path toward these ideals is fraught with bloody pitfalls.
Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of China's Military Power
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Lessons to Be Learned from This Crisis
Xi Jinping’s dismissal of China’s highest-ranking general marks a significant turning point in modern Chinese history and in the evolution of global geopolitical power dynamics. This dramatic event, part of a series of purges unprecedented since Xi came to power in 2012, reveals deep-seated tensions within China’s political system and the considerable challenges the country faces as it seeks to realize its ambitions as a global superpower. How this crisis is resolved will have major implications not only for China’s own future but also for the international community as a whole, particularly for Asian countries and the United States.
Several lessons can be drawn from this situation. First, it illustrates the dangers inherent in an excessive concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, even within a complex bureaucratic system such as China’s. Second, it demonstrates the limitations of force as a tool for consolidating power, particularly in a military environment where technical expertise and operational experience are essential. Third, it underscores the crucial importance of transparency and checks and balances in the military sphere, not only for internal stability but also for international trust. Finally, it highlights the complexity of the challenges China faces as it seeks to balance modernization, strategic ambition, and political stability.
When I look at all this, I really wonder where the world is headed. It seems as though we’re witnessing a reshaping of the world order right before our eyes, and I’m not sure it will be for the better. The balance of terror during the Cold War was horrible, but at least there was a certain stability. Today, with these purges, this instability in China, this unpredictable leadership in the United States… Everything seems so fragile. I feel like we’re walking on eggshells, not knowing when they’ll crack. And when they do, all of humanity will suffer. I wonder if our children will understand why we did nothing to prevent this. I wonder if they’ll forgive us for our inaction. It’s a terrible moral burden to bear.
The Outlook for the Future
The future of China’s military power remains uncertain, depending on how the current purges unfold and the decisions Xi Jinping makes in the coming months and years. If the Chinese president manages to consolidate his control over the military and establish a leadership that is both loyal and competent, China could emerge from this crisis stronger and more united, capable of realizing its strategic ambitions and challenging U.S. hegemony. However, if the purges continue and intensify, they risk severely weakening the Chinese military’s operational capabilities and creating internal instability that could spread to the entire Chinese political and economic system.
Whatever happens, the international community will have to contend with a China transformed by these events—either a more powerful and assertive China, or a more unstable and unpredictable one. In either case, the challenges will be considerable, particularly for Asian countries that find themselves on the front lines of China’s rise. The United States and its allies will need to adapt their strategy to address this new reality by strengthening their own military capabilities, deepening cooperation with regional partners, and maintaining a constant dialogue with Beijing to avoid misunderstandings and accidental escalations. The future of peace and stability in Asia—and in the world at large—will depend largely on the ability of the major powers to navigate this period of transition and transformation without triggering a major conflict.
I conclude this article with a heavy heart, my mind swirling with conflicting thoughts and emotions. On the one hand, I see the grandeur of a millennia-old civilization seeking to reclaim its rightful place in the world. On the other, I see the deadly dangers of an authoritarian system that concentrates absolute power in the hands of a single man. I want to believe in a future where China and the West can coexist peacefully, respect their differences, and cooperate for the good of humanity. But recent events give me little hope. It seems the world is inexorably heading toward a confrontation between irreconcilable visions. And I wonder, desperately, if anyone, anywhere, has a plan to spare us from catastrophe. I fear not. And that thought terrifies me.
Sources
Primary sources
Chinese Ministry of Defense, January 24, 2026, announcement regarding the investigation of General Zhang Youxia for violations of discipline and the law, Beijing.
TV5MONDE, “China: Xi Jinping Removes His Highest-Ranking General,” January 25, 2026, Paris.
CNN, “China’s top general under investigation in latest military purge,” January 24, 2026, Atlanta.
Fox News, “China’s top general ousted, placed under investigation in latest military purge,” January 25, 2026, New York.
Secondary Sources
Le Figaro, “China Purges Its Highest-Ranking General, Leaving Xi Jinping Alone at the Helm,” Sébastien Falletti, January 24, 2026, Paris.
The Economist, “What Xi Jinping’s purge of China’s most senior general reveals,” January 24, 2026, London.
The Diplomat, “The Purge of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli – Why and What’s Next for China’s Military,” January 24, 2026, Tokyo.
The New York Times, “Xi’s Purge of China’s Military Brings Its Top General Down,” January 24, 2026, New York.
NPR, “China’s Top General Under Investigation in Latest Military Purge,” January 24, 2026, Washington.
ABC News (Australia), “Chinese military’s top general investigated for ‘suspected serious violations’,” January 25, 2026, Sydney.
UPI, “China’s President Xi Jinping ousts two top generals,” January 24, 2026, Washington.
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