[People News] The investigation of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli has not resolved the crisis triggered by the rift between Xi Jinping and senior military commanders. Recently, an insider revealed that “princeling” figures Liu Yuan and Deng Pufang, representing prominent red political families, are planning to propose a motion at the 21st Chinese Communist Party Congress in 2027 to block Xi Jinping from securing another term.

The main battlefield of this power struggle has been set for the 21st Party Congress in the fall of 2027. Yuan Hongbing, a well-known legal scholar living in Australia who frequently discloses inside information about CCP elite politics, told Vision Times that Liu Yuan (son of Liu Shaoqi) and Deng Pufang (son of Deng Xiaoping) have now become the only political force within the system with both the courage and influence to challenge Xi Jinping.

They are reportedly drafting a striking “political proposal” whose core demands include a return to Liu Shaoqi’s theory of “New Democracy” and Deng Xiaoping’s “Reform and Opening” path, while firmly opposing a regression to the political and economic system of the Cultural Revolution era. Even more explosively, the proposal is said to plan to name and criticize current Politburo Standing Committee members Cai Qi, Zhao Leji, and Li Xi, accusing them of being remnants of Cultural Revolution–style radicalism and of implementing an “ultra-left line without a Gang of Four.”

According to sources, Liu and Deng have already spread word through Beijing’s political circles, saying: “If Xi Jinping has the nerve, let him launch a second Cultural Revolution and label us ‘capitalist-roaders’ again—let’s see whether the Party and the people would allow such reckless behavior today.”

Zhang Youxia’s Crucial Role

In this power contest, Zhang Youxia’s role is considered pivotal. Why would red political families choose to support someone once seen as a core member of Xi’s military faction?

First is the struggle over control of military appointments. Before his purge, Zhang Youxia reportedly joined Liu Zhenli in making a sudden move against Xi, attempting to seize control over the appointment authority of senior military officers. This action was directly linked to Liu Yuan and Deng Pufang’s plans for the 21st Party Congress. If Zhang had succeeded in controlling military personnel decisions, it would have significantly improved the “princelings’” chances of challenging Xi at the congress.

Second is political complementarity. Although Zhang was purged, this is viewed as a setback for the princelings’ anti-Xi efforts. However, Xi’s sweeping purges have already generated strong resentment within the military. Since Xi came to power, it is estimated that more than 20 million officials and their family members have been affected. This cycle of “betrayal–purge–renewed betrayal” has created an environment in which generals like Zhang, facing existential threats, have little choice but to align with red political families.

Economic and Security Calculations

Behind the red families’ opposition to Xi are hard economic and security considerations.

First: Protecting 20 trillion yuan in wealth.
Elite families tied to Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin represent the interests of “elite capitalism.” It is estimated that these families have transferred up to 20 trillion yuan in assets overseas. They fear that if Xi irrationally launches a Taiwan war, the international community could impose sanctions similar to those on Russia, freezing or confiscating their overseas wealth.

Second: The collapse of power-sharing.
Xi’s pursuit of “absolute personal dictatorship” and lifelong rule has shattered the CCP’s previous façade of “collective leadership,” leaving no room for other red families to share in the benefits of authoritarian power. This irreconcilable conflict has forced previously cautious political clans to choose sides.

Liu Yuan’s motivation, however, is said to differ from others. He is described as having a degree of idealism, hoping to reform the CCP through a form of “social democracy,” rather than simply protecting family wealth. Despite differing motives, opposition to Xi’s return to ultra-left policies has become their shared banner.

The “Top Ten Red Families”

Although opinions within red political families differ, undercurrents are surging. Prominent democracy activist Tang Baiqiao analyzed the positions of the most influential “ten major red families”:

  1. Deng Pufang – Deng Xiaoping family: Diminished influence but deeply dissatisfied with Xi’s extreme centralization.

  2. Chen Yuan – Chen Yun family: Controls vast state financial resources; may defect if the economy collapses.

  3. Ye Xuanlian – Ye Jianying family: Long influence in military intelligence; could react strongly to continued military purges.

  4. Jiang Mianheng – Jiang Zemin family: Holds massive overseas assets; seeking opportunities to strike back.

  5. Wang Zhi – Wang Zhen family: Major figure in the arms industry with close ties to the Shanghai faction.

  6. Yao Yilin/Wang Qishan family: Wang Qishan’s silence is viewed as a major variable.

  7. Zeng Qinghong family: Key power broker of the Shanghai faction with strong overseas networks.

  8. Hu Jintao family: Though aging, the Youth League faction remains sizable; Hu Chunhua could become a counterweight.

  9. Wen Jiabao family: Potential force appealing to public sentiment.

  10. Li Peng family: Reportedly humiliated by Xi, with possible motives for retaliation.

Xi’s Dilemma

Yuan Hongbing said Xi, backed by an extensive security apparatus, is aware that Liu Yuan, Deng Pufang, and other princelings are preparing to challenge his authority—but he has not yet made a final decision.

On one hand, Xi fears that a challenge at the 21st Party Congress could threaten his continued rule. On the other, he has not yet dared to launch a decisive confrontation against the powerful Liu and Deng families, nor has he openly repudiated Deng Xiaoping’s political line. As a result, Xi finds himself in a strategic dilemma.

The Final Straw?

The key questions ahead are whether Liu Yuan and Deng Pufang can rally sufficient opposition before 2027, how many of the major red families they can unite, and—amid a vacuum of military leadership—who ultimately controls the guns.

Xi’s arrest of Zhang Youxia was a high-stakes gamble that made red political families realize that appeasement is useless. This most dangerous internal struggle since the founding of the CCP could ultimately become the final straw that breaks the regime’s back.△