By Li Deyan
A commentary published by the Chinese Communist Party’s military newspaper has drawn scrutiny after invoking Zhang Guotao, a controversial early Party leader accused of attempting to split the Red Army. Observers say the reference may carry contemporary implications following the recent investigation into Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and could point to continued political tightening within the armed forces.
The article, titled “Political Strength Is the Most Fundamental Strength,” appeared on page six of the Feb. 9 edition of the PLA Daily. It was written by Ren Long of the National Defense University’s Political College.
The commentary revisited Zhang Guotao’s alleged efforts to “split the Party and the Red Army” during the Long March. It cited Zhu De, who opposed Zhang at the time, as saying: “I raised my hand in support of the northward decision at the Politburo meeting. I cannot go back on my word.”
Historical analogy and possible signals
The historical reference has fueled speculation that the article is warning against “division” or “disloyalty” within today’s ranks. Some commentators suggest that reviving the case of Zhang Guotao during a politically sensitive moment could reflect concerns about internal cohesion and possible factionalism.
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During previous periods of heightened political sensitivity, state media have also revisited controversial early CCP figures, including Zhang Guotao and Wang Ming. In August 2021, during the annual Beidaihe meeting period, official outlets prominently carried remarks by Xi Jinping criticizing Zhang Guotao as someone who “relied on armed forces to assert himself and set up a separate central authority.”
Zhang Youxia, long regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was officially announced under investigation on Jan. 24, 2026, alongside CMC member Liu Zhenli. A PLA Daily editorial published the same day accused Zhang of “seriously undermining the system of CMC chairman responsibility” and damaging the Party’s absolute leadership over the military.
In the days that followed, related propaganda coverage briefly subsided before reappearing on Jan. 31, when the PLA Daily published several articles urging officers and soldiers to support decisions by the “Party Central Committee” and align their actions with central directives.
Some analysts interpret the renewed messaging as an effort to steady morale within the ranks.
Zheng Haochang, an overseas-based commentator, told Chinese-language media abroad that the renewed focus on Zhang Guotao may be drawing a parallel between Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping, and between Zhang Guotao and Zhang Youxia, implying allegations of political disunity. He said the reference to Zhu De could be intended as a call for contemporary military leaders to demonstrate loyalty.
Accounts of confusion within the ranks
A Beijing resident using the pseudonym “Li Wei,” who said he has friends in official circles and among active-duty officers, told overseas Chinese-language media that the announcement regarding Zhang Youxia left many officers “shocked and confused.”
“Everyone at the lower levels is asking what direction this is heading,” Li said, describing uncertainty among both civilians and military personnel.
The Feb. 9 article reiterated that “all actions must follow the command of the Party Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, and Chairman Xi,” phrasing that some observers view as unusually direct.
The commentary also stated that “the stock of corruption has not yet been completely eliminated” and called for intensified political rectification to remove the conditions that breed corruption.
Some commentators interpret the phrase “stock of corruption” as laying the groundwork for further anti-corruption investigations within the military. Zheng said the wording may also be aimed at countering public perceptions that corruption has worsened despite years of high-profile campaigns.
He suggested that additional retired generals could come under scrutiny.
Li Wei said officers at or above the division level are concerned about whether investigations might expand. “Even those who have already retired are wondering whether past issues will be revisited,” he said, describing an atmosphere of unease.
Li further claimed that disciplinary measures can proceed without conventional legal procedures and asserted that corruption is widespread within official ranks. His statements could not be independently verified.
Questions over combat readiness
The PLA Daily article emphasized that political requirements must take precedence within the military. It argued that “if military capability is not strong, one will collapse in battle; if political capability is not strong, one will collapse without fighting.”
The piece compared political capability to the number “1” placed before a string of zeros, suggesting that without political loyalty, other competencies are rendered meaningless.
Li Wei said some within the ranks question how to balance political control with operational effectiveness. He claimed that many officers lack real combat experience and noted that the military has not engaged in large-scale warfare for decades. His remarks reflect opinions circulating among certain individuals but remain anecdotal.
The renewed stress on political rectification, together with references to past allegations of factionalism, has led some analysts to conclude that internal consolidation remains a priority for the leadership.
Whether the latest commentary signals a broader restructuring or primarily serves as a warning on loyalty remains unclear. What appears evident is that political messaging within the military has intensified since the announcement involving Zhang Youxia, underscoring the leadership’s continued emphasis on ideological alignment within the armed forces.
