Is Something Major Happening in Beijing? Leader: Don't Involve Me in This

Dark clouds loom over Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

[People News] On January 24 of this year, Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, and Liu Zhenli, a member of the Military Commission, unexpectedly fell from power, causing a significant stir in the political landscape. Reports indicate that many retired high-ranking officials are inquiring whether 'something big is happening in Beijing' as a means of self-preservation.

Recently, an email from within the Chinese political system has begun circulating online.

On March 9, the commentator 'New Heights' posted on platform X, revealing that a retired senior official from a certain region in China made a special trip to Hangzhou during the 2026 New Year period to extend New Year greetings to the current Governor of Zhejiang Province, Liu Jie. During their meeting, he eagerly asked, 'Is something major happening in Beijing? Since Zhang Youxia was arrested, I've frequently seen groups of military vehicles heading north on the highways.'

The retired official's inquiry immediately raised Liu Jie's alertness, prompting him to respond sharply: 'Are you all wishing for the boss (referring to Xi Jinping) to encounter problems every day? What kind of world is this? In recent days, nearly every day, someone has been asking me if something has happened in Beijing... As retired senior officials, you shouldn't be so eager to inquire about these matters.'

This brief exchange has led to deeper reflections on the downfall of Zhang Youxia. Was Zhang truly ousted due to corruption? Does this incident conceal some unspeakable truths?

New Heights noted that this short private New Year greeting dialogue reflects the fear, speculation, loyalty, and intertwined interests within the depths of the CCP's political landscape in 2026. Liu Jie, who made this remark, is a quintessential representative among the 'post-70s' officials of the Xi era.

Liu Jie, born in January 1970, currently serves as the Governor of Zhejiang Province and is a representative at the two sessions of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He is also a candidate member of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC.

Analysis from New Heights indicates that the conversation between Liu Jie and his former subordinates reflects the underlying tensions in China's political landscape as we approach 2026. Following the fall of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, there has been an unusual 'vacuum period' within the upper ranks of the CPC's military commission. During the New Year period, rumours of troop movements have emerged, creating a sense of anxiety among both high-ranking officials and retired senior cadres, characterised by a feeling of 'calm on the surface, but undercurrents stirring.' The fact that 'almost every day someone inquires' suggests that the tremors have fully permeated the political atmosphere.

In the CPC's officialdom, 'recklessly discussing the central authority' is a grave offence that can lead to severe consequences. Liu Jie's reaction to inquiries about 'whether something has happened in Beijing' reveals his awareness of the risks associated with this question, prompting him to immediately shut it down and avoid further discussion.

Liu Jie's response serves as a warning to those trying to gather information: do not involve me in this.

The question of 'whether something has happened in Beijing' indicates that retired officials are sensing potential upheaval in the upper political ranks, and they may soon need to consider 'choosing sides,' as their responses will reflect their loyalty to specific factions. This concern also extends to the safety and security of retired officials and their families. Even after leaving official positions, the CPC's mechanisms will not spare them.

Due to the CPC's stringent control over public discourse, the authenticity of the aforementioned 'New Year dialogue' cannot currently be confirmed. However, the repercussions of Zhang Youxia's downfall within the CPC's political landscape are evidently still unfolding.

(First published by People News) △