On the morning of October 20, the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) in China held the opening ceremony of a seminar for provincial and ministerial leaders to study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party. General Secretary and President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the ceremony. Notably absent were four members of the Political Bureau, including Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, Minister of Organization Shi Taifeng, former Xinjiang Secretary Ma Xingrui, and State Councilor He Lifeng, whose travel abroad was the only confirmed reason for absence. The absence of the other three has fueled speculation regarding Zhang Youxia’s situation.
According to reports, the missing officials, particularly Zhang Youxia, have drawn public attention. Zhang Youxia had last appeared at an official event on December 22, 2025, when he attended a promotion ceremony for senior military ranks alongside Liu Zhenli, a current member of the Central Military Commission, who was also absent from the recent seminar. The repeated absence of high-ranking officials raises concerns, particularly for Zhang and Ma, who have not been seen at important gatherings for some time.
This trend of absence coincides with a significant anti-corruption campaign within the military, targeting higher-ranking officers. Recent reports have suggested that Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s no-shows at crucial meetings could indicate underlying political struggles in Zhongnanhai. Observers noted the resurfacing of a letter from December 2025, which urged Zhang Youxia to consider instigating a military coup, suggesting his dwindling options amidst an escalating political climate.
This scrutiny of Zhang Youxia is compounded by the possibility that he may face a similar fate as former colleague He Weidong, who was previously arrested as part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge within the military. Comments circulating online also highlight fears that Zhang Youxia’s family may face repercussions due to his entrenchment in inner-party conflicts.
While the situation remains precarious for these high-ranking officials, the ongoing scrutiny and concern reflect a broader narrative of political maneuvering within China’s military and governing bodies. The evolving story emphasizes the intricate dynamics at play in the leadership’s handling of internal dissent and corruption, leaving observers to speculate on the future of China’s military leadership in light of these developments.