Overview
- China’s Ministry of National Defense said on January 24 that Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.
- PLA Daily and People’s Daily editorials call on the ranks to pledge absolute loyalty to Xi, arguing the probes will remove elements that have diluted combat readiness.
- Reporting indicates the Central Military Commission has been reduced to Xi Jinping and vice chair Zhang Shengmin, leaving senior command severely thinned.
- International outlets citing US intelligence describe faulty missile silo lids and instances of missiles filled with water in the Rocket Force, allegations that have not been verified publicly.
- Analysts say the shake‑up consolidates Xi’s control but could impair near‑term cohesion and readiness, with some urging caution about unconfirmed claims circulating around the purge.