The Beijing regime has just taken a crucial step in its vast campaign of institutional "cleansing." On January 24, 2026, the Chinese Ministry of Defense officially opened an investigation against General Zhang Youxia , vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). By targeting the country's highest-ranking officer after himself, Xi Jinping is sending a clear signal of absolute resolve.

The collapse of a pillar of the regime

The investigation targets "serious violations of discipline and the law," terminology almost always associated with corruption within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Zhang Youxia's case is all the more striking given that this 75-year-old veteran was perceived as:

1. A long-time loyalist: Long considered a close ally of the president.
2. An experienced strategist: Veteran of the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War and influential member of the Politburo.
3. A key link: Overseeing all armed forces since 2018.

This fall is accompanied by that of Liu Zhenli , the joint chief of staff, confirming that the purge leaves no sanctuary at the top of the military hierarchy.

An army under high tension

Since 2023, dozens of generals and two defense ministers have been dismissed. This methodical takeover addresses two imperatives for Xi Jinping:

1. Absolute political control: Reducing any area of autonomy within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to ensure unwavering loyalty.
2. Operational modernization: Eliminating corruption networks that could hinder the military's technological effectiveness, as tensions around Taiwan and Beijing's regional ambitions intensify.

The identified risk: While these purges strengthen Xi Jinping's direct authority, they raise questions about the cohesion of the command structure. Instability at the top could weaken the PLA's ability to conduct complex and coordinated operations in the event of a major conflict.

The numbers of power: an undisputed hegemony

Despite a slight decline in his media presence (a 14% decrease in mentions on the front page of the People's Daily according to the China Media Project), Xi Jinping is crushing the political competition.

Leader	Front page mentions (Jan-July 2025)
Xi Jinping	323
Li Qiang (Prime Minister)	99
Wang Huning	57
Ding Xuexiang	55

Conclusion: The elimination of alternatives

The removal of Zhang Youxia further entrenches the system. As a respected figure, Zhang could have played a mediating role or served as a potential successor in a transitional scenario. His ouster eliminates any possibility of the emergence of an internal counterweight.

Ultimately, Xi Jinping prioritizes stability through discipline rather than consensus, consolidating his role as supreme leader of a two-million-strong army undergoing rapid change, but whose internal workings are under more scrutiny than ever.