Taiwan’s government announced on January 26, 2026, that it is closely tracking what it describes as “abnormal” changes in China’s military leadership after authorities in Beijing placed one of the People’s Liberation Army’s most senior generals under investigation. Zhang Youxia, vice-chair of China’s Central Military Commission On January 24, China’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and long regarded as a close ally of President Xi Jinping, is under investigation for “suspected serious violatio

Taiwan’s government announced on January 26, 2026, that it is closely tracking what it describes as “abnormal” changes in China’s military leadership after authorities in Beijing placed one of the People’s Liberation Army’s most senior generals under investigation.


Zhang Youxia, vice-chair of China’s Central Military Commission

On January 24, China’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and long regarded as a close ally of President Xi Jinping, is under investigation for “suspected serious violations of discipline and law.” Another senior officer, General Liu Zhenli, chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department, is also being probed.

Beijing Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.

Taiwan’s Defence Minister, Wellington Koo, said Taipei would use a full range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance methods, along with information-sharing with partners, to assess China’s intentions and broader military signals. He emphasized that China has never renounced the use of force against Taiwan, which Beijing continues to claim as part of its territory. Zhang’s investigation marks one of the most significant leadership shake-ups within China’s military in years and underlines ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

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