Feb. 6, 2026 — CCP leader Xi Jinping visits retired military cadres stationed in Beijing. Security personnel are mixed in among the retirees, closely watching everyone. China’s defense minister Dong Jun (right) is seen standing only among retired officers at the event. (Video screenshot)
[People News] After the sudden downfall of Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, political tension at the top levels has continued to simmer. CCP leader Xi Jinping recently attended a Lunar New Year gala performance to慰问 (extend greetings to) retired military officials in Beijing. Observers say several details from the event reveal deep internal problems within China’s armed forces.
Unusual Behavior From Zhang Shengmin Raises Concerns
According to The Epoch Times, on the afternoon of Feb. 6, the Central Military Commission held a New Year’s gala for retired military officials in Beijing. Xi Jinping, who also serves as CMC chairman, watched the performance and greeted veteran officers. Footage aired by state broadcaster CCTV showed that only CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin stood behind Xi. In previous years, other senior figures such as Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli, and Miao Hua had accompanied him — but all of them have since fallen from power.
This time, Xi shook hands with the retired officers one by one, but Zhang Shengmin did not. Traditionally, the vice chairman accompanying Xi follows the same protocol. For example, in January 2024, neither Xi nor his accompanying vice chairmen shook hands, only waved. In January 2025, both Xi and the vice chairmen did shake hands. The inconsistency this year drew attention.
U.S.-based commentator Tang Jingyuan said on his program Vision Insight that Zhang Shengmin oversees military discipline inspections and is directly connected with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, making him central to the investigation of Zhang Youxia. Xi likely uses a “carrot and stick” approach to keep him under control. Rumors had circulated about Zhang resigning, being investigated, or even committing suicide. Bringing him out publicly may have been intended to signal “everything is normal.”
Tang noted that Xi walked ahead smiling and shaking hands, while Zhang lagged behind with a stiff expression, suggesting deep anxiety. Whether Zhang Shengmin can retire safely remains highly uncertain.
Li Dayu, host of News Uncovered, also observed Zhang’s unnatural demeanor. At one point, a retired officer reached out to shake Zhang’s hand after shaking Xi’s, but Zhang appeared to avoid it, barely making contact. Li said this small detail suggests Zhang is under immense pressure and unsure whether he might be the next target of a purge.
Political commentator Qin Peng said Zhang’s position is precarious. He reportedly assisted Xi in purging Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, both linked to Zhang Youxia, then shifted toward Zhang Youxia when senior figures pushed back, and later turned back to Xi when Zhang was arrested. Such shifting loyalties rarely end well.
Defense Minister Dong Jun Blends in With Retirees
China’s defense minister Dong Jun stands among retired military officials at the event and is seated in the third row during the performance. (Video screenshot)
Dong Jun, China’s defense minister, was seen standing only among retired officers and was seated in the third row during the show.
Qin Peng noted that Dong did not wear a military uniform this year and was placed among retirees. As defense minister, he would normally be a member of the Central Military Commission, but he has not been appointed, leaving him in an awkward position. Still, Qin believes Dong is relatively safe, as the defense minister role is largely symbolic and he keeps a low profile, posing little threat to others.
Security Personnel Closely Monitoring Retired Officers
Footage shows several tall, young men in military attire — believed to be security staff — mixed among the elderly officers. Though they applauded, their expressions were stern. One young soldier appeared especially tense while Xi was shaking hands.
Compared to previous years, the prominent and watchful presence of security personnel was noticeably different.
Chinese activist Liu Min posted clips from CCTV on X (formerly Twitter), pointing out that many of the retired officers were in their 80s, 90s, or even over 100 years old. Ordinarily, such a gathering would be considered one of the least threatening scenarios. Yet the most striking sight was the “shadow” of security personnel in the crowd — younger individuals standing straighter and scanning the surroundings, seemingly monitoring every direction. Similar figures appeared every few seats.
Absence of Li Zuocheng Draws Attention
Seated in the front row with Xi and Zhang Shengmin were six retired senior officers, including former CMC vice chairmen Cao Gangchuan and Fan Changlong, and former CMC members Chen Bingde, Li Jinai, Zhao Keshi, and Wu Shengli.
Compared with previous years, both the number of current CMC members and retired senior officers attending has sharply declined. Since 2024, former CMC Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang and former CMC members Liang Guanglie and Liao Xilong have passed away.
The absence of former CMC member and former Joint Staff Department Chief Li Zuocheng drew notice. Tang Jingyuan speculated that Li, one of the few senior officers with real combat experience (in the Sino-Vietnamese War), may already have encountered trouble that has not yet been officially announced, or may be in poor health and unable to appear.
Analysis: A Warm Scene on the Surface, Deep Crisis Beneath
Qin Peng said the event appeared warm and harmonious on the surface, but the details reveal severe internal tensions within the PLA.
He argued that Xi likely intended to showcase unity and control, but the scene did not withstand scrutiny. State media claimed retired officials unanimously expressed loyalty to Xi and the Party leadership, but in reality, no such collective statements were made — retirees were never given a chance to speak. The supposed expressions of loyalty were likely fabricated by official media.
Qin warned that Xi’s position may be worsening. By alienating nearly everyone and purging even former ally Zhang Youxia, he has created widespread fear within the military. Future purges could provoke backlash.
“In short, this event looked festive, but in fact it exposed deep problems inside the Chinese military: severe purges, mutual suspicion, and internal instability,” he said.
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