The Bunker – News without the nonsense China's military crisis – Is Beijing's army on the brink of collapse?
Feb 24, 2026
Daria Impiombato, senior analyst at the Mercator Institute for China Studies who specializes in Chinese politics and the PLA, unpacks the sudden removals of top military leaders. She discusses princeling networks and official anti-corruption language. She examines implications for Xi's control, military modernisation goals, risks to innovation from centralised power, and what to watch next.
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Purge Signals Political Loyalty Over Merit
- Xi Jinping's purge of two top PLA leaders signals political motives beyond routine anti-corruption, emphasizing loyalty to the party and the chairman responsibility system.
- Zhang Yuxia's removal shocked analysts because he was a princeling, long seen as loyal and close to retirement, yet dismissed swiftly within a week.
Zhang Yuxia's Unexpected Fall
- Zhang Yuxia survived many prior purge rounds and was expected to retire safely next year, making his sudden fall surprising.
- His prior longevity and princeling background made analysts believe he was insulated from removal until retirement.
Princelings Hold Deep Networks In The CCP
- 'Princelings' are descendants of revolutionary leaders who hold powerful networks inside China's elite and can complicate intra-party struggles.
- Zhang Yuxia was a princeling tied to Xi Jinping's father's generation, making his sacking especially notable.