The Rise of Zhang Youxia: China’s Real Leader Now

Xi Jinping's Diminished Authority

• 💡 Three clear signs indicate Xi Jinping has lost real power: a massive purge of his loyalists across government and military, the CCP's propaganda machine ceasing to glorify him, and the significant rise of General Zhang Youxia.
• 🎯 Despite appearing as head of state at international events, many China watchers overlook these critical indicators of his weakening control.
• 🔑 The PLA Daily's eight-part commentary, "Clarifying Right and Wrong," is widely believed to be a critique of Xi Jinping's leadership.

General Zhang Youxia's Ascent to Power

• 🚀 General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has become the key figure in Xi Jinping's downfall, with his family having close ties to Xi's father.
• 🤝 Zhang initially served as Xi's closest military ally, helping him secure his third term and placing General Joe Hongshi, a trusted ally, in charge of Xi's personal protection unit, the Central Security Bureau (CSB).
• ⚠️ Xi's favoritism towards Air Force generals shifted to suspicion, leading him to rely on Zhang and generals from his old power base, but he later grew paranoid about Zhang's increasing influence.

Control of Security and Military Apparatus

• 🚨 Xi's attempt to regain control of the CSB by bringing back former security chief Wang Shaojin was thwarted by Wang's mysterious death, leaving Joe Hongshi (Zhang's ally) in full command of Xi's security.
• ⚔️ After Xi suffered a stroke, Zhang seized the moment, inviting party elders and suppressing several coup attempts by Xi's loyalists, including the suspicious death of General Shu Chilang.
• 📜 Xi's paranoia is reportedly fueled by a Tang Dynasty prophecy that many believe predicts his downfall, with elements aligning ominously with Zhang's name and actions.

Strategic Military Reforms and Show of Force

• 🛠️ Zhang Youxia is reportedly orchestrating a major military reform to abolish Xi Jinping's signature theater command system and restore the original seven military regions and four general departments.
• 📈 This overhaul aims to replace Xi's emphasis on "absolute political loyalty" with a new mantra of "absolute military efficiency," indicating a direct repudiation of Xi's military policies.
• 🚨 Zhang allegedly led a heavily armed patrol through Beijing on June 6th, a calculated show of force to signal to Xi's followers that the military is no longer under Xi's command.

Zhang's Unrivaled Influence in China

• 👑 Despite reportedly having no ambition to become the CCP leader, Zhang Youxia's control over the military makes him the most powerful man in China, with his backing essential for any future leader.
• 🤝 Zhang reportedly distrusts the Jiang Zemin faction and shows a clear preference for reformist figures like Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, indicating a potential shift in China's political direction.
• ⏳ The military has made it clear it will not wait indefinitely for the leadership transition, and is prepared to use any means necessary to resolve the crisis and reshape China's future.