By Li Deyan, Vision Times
New allegations circulating online claim that China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) has “issued commendations” to cyber and information units for their “handling of public opinion” during the investigations of senior generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. Some reports further suggest that the commendation order was personally signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Though the reports are unverified, they have added a new layer to ongoing speculation surrounding the two high-ranking officers, who were formally announced under investigation on Jan. 24 for alleged “serious violations of discipline and law.”
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Conflicting reports of Zhang’s status
Since the official announcement, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding Zhang’s whereabouts and condition. Various online narratives have claimed that he was hospitalized, placed on life support, or even secretly executed.
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On Feb. 23, U.S.-based commentator Cai Shenkun said on his self-media program that, according to his sources, Zhang has been detained in Beijing since his arrest. Cai stated that Zhang is under dual supervision by the Beijing Garrison and the Central Guard Bureau, but emphasized that “his safety is absolutely guaranteed” and that “his health is completely normal.” Cai also said Zhang’s family has not been affected.
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On the same day, Du Wen, a former Inner Mongolia official now based in Europe, reported on his program that the CMC had issued a commendation recognizing certain cyber and information warfare units for achieving “major success” in handling external online operations related to the Zhang–Liu cases.
According to Du, the award order was personally signed by Xi Jinping, and several units and individuals reportedly received first- and second-class merit citations. Du described the information battle surrounding the case as “very deep,” alleging that Xi personally directed operational planning and follow-up actions. He claimed that coordinated efforts across domestic and overseas platforms helped shape the narrative as the controversy unfolded.
Observers note that the handling of the Zhang–Liu investigations has been unusual. The military, rather than civilian Party organs, has taken the lead in announcements and public messaging, while local authorities have remained largely silent.
The ‘3-step pattern’
Commentator Wang Youqun, writing in overseas Chinese-language media, argued that cases like Zhang’s follow what he describes as a recurring “three-step pattern” in high-level CCP political struggles: “falsehood, harshness, and factional struggle.”
First, Wang says, is “falsehood.” He notes that multiple detailed accounts of Zhang’s arrest have circulated, yet none can be verified. He attributes this to what he calls a “black box” approach, where authorities tightly control information disclosure.
Second is “harshness.” On Jan. 24, authorities announced that Zhang and Liu were being placed under investigation for allegations of misconduct. The following day, the PLA Daily published an editorial condemning them in sweeping, harsh terms: “Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, as senior cadres of the Party and the military, have seriously betrayed the trust entrusted to them by the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission and seriously trampled and undermined the system of responsibility of the CMC chairman,” the statement read.
The third element, Wang argues, is “struggle.” He frames the case within the broader history of intra-Party political rivalry, contending that factional tensions within the military have intensified in recent years.
Blurring the lines
Wang questions how such definitive language could appear one day after the announcement of an investigation, which by definition implies allegations are still under review. He further raises whether Zhang and Liu have had meaningful opportunities to present a defense, noting the absence of publicly disclosed evidence supporting the accusations.
Since the CCP’s 20th Party Congress, multiple senior officers have fallen under investigation. The rapid turnover within the Central Military Commission has fueled discussion about shifting power balances within China’s top echelons and the losing grip Xi has on the armed forces.
In tightly controlled information environments, limited transparency often produces competing narratives. Whether the reported commendations or detention details prove accurate or not, the Zhang–Liu cases have become focal points in a broader debate over discipline enforcement, factional maneuvering, and control within the PLA.
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.
