By Li Deyan, Vision Times
A new meeting slated for late February by China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee is now fueling rumors that former senior military figures Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli may face further political or legal consequences. The pair was placed under investigation for “disciplinary violations” in a high-profile purge on Jan. 24.
According to Chinese state media, the 61st Chairpersons’ Meeting of the 14th NPC Standing Committee was held in Beijing on Feb. 10, chaired by NPC Chairman Zhao Leji. The meeting confirmed that the NPC Standing Committee will convene its 21st session on Feb. 25–26.
While late-February sessions are typically used to prepare procedural matters ahead of the annual “Two Sessions” in early March, analysts note that this year’s agenda contains unusually sensitive language. State media reported that the meeting will review draft legislation, amendments, and preparations for the full NPC session beginning March 5, including the presidium list, secretary-general appointments, and the NPC work report.
RELATED: Purges of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli Expose Xi Jinping’s Grip on the PLA
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However, the 2026 session will also review a report concerning “individual deputies’ qualifications,” along with personnel appointment and removal matters, an addition that has drawn particular attention. Notably, the NPC Standing Committee’s Credentials Committee has already submitted a briefing on “individual deputies’ qualifications,” yet official outlets have provided no details on which representatives are involved.
U.S.-based commentator Zhang Tianliang argued in his media program that Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli may be at the center of the late-February agenda. He suggested the emergency nature of the meeting may indicate that authorities are preparing to revoke their NPC delegate credentials, clearing the way for their formal removal from top military posts during the March Two Sessions.
RELATED: Beijing Garrison Shake-Up Points to Xi Jinping’s Plan to Neutralize Zhang Youxia
Earlier this month, on Feb. 4, Chinese authorities convened the NPC Standing Committee’s 20th session in what many observers viewed as an unusual “extra” meeting outside the normal two-month cycle. That session lasted only one day.
Speculation at the time centered on Zhang and Liu, but the official announcement instead stripped three executives in the defense-industrial sector of their NPC delegate status, leading some analysts to describe it as a political feint, suggesting behind-the-scenes struggle between Chinese President Xi Jinping and opposing factions.
With another session now scheduled for Feb. 25–26, observers are watching closely to see whether Zhang and Liu will finally be targeted directly.
Attacks on Zhang Guotao
Adding to the intrigue, China’s military newspaper has published multiple articles referencing Zhang Guotao, a disgraced early Communist leader accused of splitting the Party. On Feb. 9, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Daily ran a commentary titled “Political Strength Is the Most Fundamental Strength,” accusing Zhang Guotao of “carrying out activities to split the Party and the Red Army.”
The article again urged the armed forces to ensure that “all actions obey the党中央, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi.” Since Zhang Youxia’s downfall was announced on Jan. 24, the PLA Daily has published at least four pieces that prominently invoke Zhang Guotao, including:
- Feb. 2: “Organizational Strength Makes the Military Strong”
- Feb. 3: “Maintaining the Momentum to Break Through on the New Journey”
- Feb. 9: “Talent Must Be Cultivated Over Time”
Though none of these articles explicitly name Zhang Youxia or Liu Zhenli, the timing has led many to suspect political signaling. State media under Xi has repeatedly portrayed Zhang Guotao as a “careerist” and “conspirator,” accusing him of “relying on military power to challenge the center.” Analysts note that such historical analogies are often deployed to frame modern purges as existential loyalty tests.
Fear disguised as ‘political toughness’
Zhang Tianliang argued that the Zhang Guotao narrative itself was historically constructed to reinforce the CCP principle of “the Party commands the gun.”
He noted that Mao Zedong later used the “splitting the Party” accusation to politically destroy Zhang Guotao, while elevating figures like Zhu De as models of loyalty. State narratives praised Zhu De by saying that Zhu “demonstrated extremely strong political resolve.” In Zhang’s view, the PLA Daily’s emphasis on “political toughness” reflects Xi Jinping’s long-standing priority: Political obedience over battlefield competence.
Xi has also repeatedly used major military political work conferences to consolidate control. In 2014, he held the so-called “New Gutian Conference,” reaffirming Party dominance over the armed forces and launching sweeping military reforms. In 2022, Xi convened a similar conference in Xi’an, followed by major purges, including the Rocket Force and the Equipment Development Department.
Zhang suggested that powerful, battle-tested commanders like Zhang Youxia are inherently viewed as threats under Xi’s centralized model, precisely because they possess prestige, networks, and independent influence.
Rumors of a ‘soft detention’ in Shenzhen
Australian-based self-media figure Jiang Wangzheng has claimed Zhang Youxia is now living under “organizational supervision” in Shenzhen, effectively a form of soft detention. Jiang alleged that former Politburo leader Jia Qinglin was dispatched on Feb. 8 to persuade Zhang to confess and cooperate with the Party’s case framing.
Zhang Tianliang expressed skepticism, arguing Jia has little connection to Zhang Youxia and that reports placing Zhang’s family in the old Guangzhou Military Region are inconsistent with current PLA structures.
As China approaches the March Two Sessions, the late-February NPC Standing Committee meeting is increasingly seen as a critical moment, one that may determine whether Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s political fate is sealed.
Editorial note: This article is based on publicly circulating reports and commentary from independent analysts. The claims described have not been independently verified by Vision Times, and relevant authorities have not publicly confirmed the allegations.
