Xi Jinping dismisses top military adviser Zhang Youxia after coup rumors
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China's Central Military Commission dismissed General Zhang Youxia and General Liu Zhenli on August 28, Reuters reported. Zhang, a vice chairman and Xi Jinping's closest military ally, was removed amid an investigation into serious disciplinary violations. The personnel change follows unverified reports of a January coup attempt against Xi.
Key Facts
- General Zhang Youxia was removed as vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission on August 28, 2026.
- General Liu Zhenli was also dismissed from the Central Military Commission on the same day.
- An investigation into Zhang and Liu for serious violations of discipline and law began in January 2026.
- The Spectator reported that Zhang sent a company of soldiers to the 'Insi' hotel west of Beijing on January 18 to arrest Xi Jinping.
- Zhang Youxia participated in the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War and his father, General Zhang Zongxun, was a comrade of Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongxun.
Dismissals and Investigation
On August 28, China's Central Military Commission dismissed General Zhang Youxia, its vice chairman, and General Liu Zhenli, a fellow member. Zhang was the second-highest figure in the military leadership after Xi Jinping and his closest military ally. The generals are suspected of serious violations of discipline and law, with an investigation launched in January. The removals are part of Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign in the military, which previously led to the ouster and investigation of former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu.
Coup Attempt Reports
The personnel changes followed rumors of a military coup attempt against Xi Jinping. The Spectator reported that on January 18, Zhang sent a company of soldiers to the 'Insi' hotel west of Beijing to arrest Xi. According to the report, Xi's Central Guard Bureau personnel ambushed Zhang's soldiers, resulting in the deaths of nine guards and dozens of military personnel. These reports have not been officially confirmed by Chinese authorities.
Zhang Youxia's Background
Zhang Youxia fought in the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. His father, General Zhang Zongxun, was a comrade of Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongxun. Zhang and Xi belong to the 'princes' — descendants of high-ranking party officials, as reported by RBK. In 2012, Zhang headed the General Armaments Department responsible for weapons procurement and development for the People's Liberation Army. He became vice chairman of the Central Military Commission in 2017 and was re-elected to the post in 2022 despite being due for retirement.
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Xi Jinping dismisses top military adviser Zhang Youxia after coup rumors
