PLA Daily Criticizes Zhang Guotao, Praises Zhu De — Hinting at Political Betrayal by Zhang Youxia?

Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, remarked that Xi&9;s faction has been entirely apprehended. (Video screenshot)

[People News] After Zhang Youxia — widely seen as a trusted military ally of Xi Jinping and a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission with real power — fell from power, Chinese politics has entered an extremely tense and surreal state. A commentary published on February 9 in the PLA Daily appears to send a cryptic political signal.

The article, titled “Being Politically Strong Is the Most Fundamental Strength,” stresses that the essential nature of the military is a “political issue.” It cites historical episodes involving early CCP leader Zhang Guotao and founding marshal Zhu De as examples, arguing that political loyalty is the core requirement for Party cadres.

The article recounts how, during the Long March, Zhang Guotao engaged in activities described as “splitting the Party and the Red Army,” considered a grave act of political betrayal. In contrast, Zhu De insisted he could not “go back on his word,” demonstrating firm political resolve.

Although the piece does not mention Zhang Youxia or Liu Zhenli by name, its renewed emphasis on “political problems” echoes an earlier PLA Daily editorial accusing Zhang and Liu of “seriously undermining the CMC chairman responsibility system.”

The article also bluntly states that “the existing stock of corruption has not yet been completely eliminated,” implying that the military purge must continue in depth.

The underlying message appears to compare Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli to Zhang Guotao — someone accused of “splitting the Party and setting up a separate central leadership.” By invoking Zhu De’s choice, the article warns military officers to “choose the right side,” or risk being treated as part of the “corrupt stock” to be eradicated.

Conversely, this also suggests that rumors of the military’s silence over Zhang Youxia’s case are not unfounded. After publishing one editorial and three commentaries, the PLA Daily went quiet for several days, and there were no visible statements of loyalty from major military regions. Now, the paper has again issued stern warnings, reflecting that orders may still be circulating without full compliance, and that passive resistance within the military could be ongoing. Some may be waiting, others possibly maneuvering; unrest in the armed forces cannot yet be ruled out.

In reality, the sweeping purge and the resulting power vacuum indicate that Xi Jinping may be facing the most isolated and crisis-ridden moment of his rule.

Rumors of an Urgent Statement from Zhang Youxia’s Son

The investigation into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli not only concerns military purges but also touches on the intricate personal networks within Zhongnanhai. According to various insider accounts, Zhang Youxia’s son, Zhang Xin, has reportedly disclosed details about the case and even an attempt by senior Party elder Jia Qinglin to persuade Zhang Youxia in Shenzhen.

After Zhang Youxia disappeared from public view, multiple versions of his arrest circulated. According to the latest claims, his only son Zhang Xin, reportedly a colonel in the Joint Logistics Support Force, issued an “urgent clarification” through contacts overseas.

In the statement, Zhang Xin denied accusations that his father “leaked military secrets,” asserting that Zhang Youxia consistently upheld the CMC chairman responsibility system and made decisions solely to defend central authority. He further claimed that Zhang and Liu fell due to manipulation and instigation by remnants of corrupt military factions.

Zhang Xin also described the alleged arrest details: on January 20, Zhang Youxia was taken away by special agents from the Ministry of Public Security upon arriving at a Party School seminar opening and was detained at an MPS interrogation facility. Zhang Xin argued that as a Politburo member and NPC deputy, his father’s case should have been handled by the Politburo and the National People’s Congress, not directly by police authorities.

According to Australian-based commentator Jiang Wangzheng, Zhang Youxia is now living in Shenzhen under what is described as “organizational care and management,” effectively a form of house arrest.

Zhang Xin, after completing a review by the military discipline authorities, was reportedly not subjected to collective punishment. On January 30, accompanied by former aides of his father, he returned home to gather belongings and then traveled with his mother to Guangzhou.

Upon arrival, Guangdong Party Secretary Huang Kunming allegedly received them personally. Zhang Xin has reportedly been reassigned to a position in the Guangzhou military region, allowing him to stay near his father in Shenzhen. This arrangement is interpreted by some as an attempt by Xi to show “Party leniency and care” and signal a controlled political resolution.

Jia Qinglin’s Attempt to Persuade Zhang Youxia?

Jiang Wangzheng also claims that on February 8, Jia Qinglin traveled to Shenzhen to persuade Zhang Youxia. Jia, about ten years older than Zhang, had past political connections with him and maintains stable relations with Xi Jinping.

During a reported dinner meeting, Jia was allegedly tasked with “persuasion and guidance,” aiming to convince Zhang to “confess and repent,” cooperate with the Party’s conclusion of the case, and avoid creating further political trouble for Xi.

These reports remain unverified. However, if such a meeting did occur, it would suggest that Xi is facing pressure within the system.

After purging Zhang Youxia, a powerful military figure, Xi — out of deep concern for regime stability — may be trying to grant Zhang limited living space to stabilize morale within the armed forces and prevent further risks from spilling over as he seeks to complete the final consolidation of military power. Yet the underlying fractures and anxieties may represent the regime’s greatest hidden danger going forward.

(First published by People News)