The Paradox of China’s Military Purges

Xi Jinping is clearly prioritizing political loyalty.

By
Victoria Herczegh and Andrew Davidson
-
1266

The formal removal of Gen. Zhang Youxia and Gen. Liu Zhenli in August marks the latest and most consequential stage of President Xi Jinping’s prolonged dismantling of China’s military leadership. Until his removal, Zhang was the senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the People’s Liberation Army. Liu […]

This article is for subscribers only

Join thousands of readers who rely on GPF for clear-eyed geopolitical analysis.

$89 per year Save 18% vs. monthly
✓Full access to all daily analysis & forecasts
✓George Friedman's geopolitical insights
✓2026 Forecast & Special Collection on the Middle East
✓100% reader-supported
Subscribe Now

30-day money-back guarantee

Already a subscriber? Log in

Victoria Herczegh
Victoria Herczegh
Viktória Herczegh is an analyst at Geopolitical Futures. She is also a PhD candidate at the Political Science and International Relations Doctoral School of Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary. Her PhD research topic is "Double Standards projected by Great Powers". Ms. Herczegh holds a bachelor's degree of Chinese Language and Culture and a master's degree of East Asian Studies. She also spent one semester at Shanghai International Studies University studying Mandarin Chinese. Ms. Herczegh is a native Hungarian fluent in English, Spanish, French and Mandarin.
Andrew Davidson
Andrew Davidson
Andrew Davidson is an analyst at Geopolitical Futures. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security and is completing his master’s degree in International Relations through Liberty University. Prior to working on continuing his education, he served in the U.S. Army for over 11 years with experience as a Platoon Sergeant in the Middle East and South Korea serving with the 10th Mountain Division and the 25th Infantry Division.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR