The Journal. China's Disappearing Generals
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Feb 11, 2026 
Lingling Wei, Wall Street Journal reporter who covered China’s military shakeup. She walks through General Zhang Yuxia’s fall and its political undercurrents. Short clips explore corruption and alleged leaks, how purges are framed, and why control of the military matters for Xi’s Taiwan ambitions. The conversation maps internal timing disputes and global responses.
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Xi's Sweep Reshaped Military Command
- Xi Jinping has purged five of the six senior generals he handpicked three years ago, hollowing out the military's high command.
- By clearing the decks, Xi now has sole command and reduced internal checks on his military decisions.
Longstanding Personal Ties Between Xi And Zhang
- Zhang Yuxia and Xi Jinping shared deep family and revolutionary ties dating back generations.
- Xi personally elevated Zhang and kept him in service past normal retirement ages, showing long-standing trust.
Alleged Nuclear Leak Briefed To Top Officers
- Authorities briefed senior officers alleging Zhang leaked technical nuclear data to the United States.
- WSJ reporting could not independently verify the leak allegations and framed them as part of the investigation.