China removes top generals after coup rumors
Xi Jinping removed his closest military advisor from office following rumors of a plot. On Friday, China removed generals Zhang Yuxia and Lu Zhenli from positions at the Central Military Commission, according to Reuters.
Consensus
- Two high-ranking generals, Zhang Yuxia and Liu Zhenли, were removed from their positions in the Central Military Committee.
- The removals followed investigations initiated in January 2026 into serious disciplinary and legal violations.
- Both generals were previously considered close to President Xi Jinping and held key military roles.
- The investigations were linked to allegations of corruption and undermining party leadership over the military.
- The generals were formally removed from their posts after being previously expelled from the Communist Party.
Points of divergence
- The removals followed rumors of a coup attempt in which Zhang Yuxia allegedly sent a unit to arrest Xi Jinping at the 'Insi' hotel in western Beijing on January 18, resulting in the deaths of nine guards and dozens of soldiers. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The official reason for the removals was 'serious violations of discipline and law,' with formal charges including undermining party leadership over the military and damaging the unity of military personnel. — kommerzant
Coverage (2 sources)
- Xi Jinping removed his closest military advisor after rumors of a plot — The Moscow Times
- In China, two high-ranking generals were removed from their posts — Коммерсантъ
Key entities
- China
- Xi Jinping
- Lu Zhenli
- Zhang Yuxia
- Central Federal District
- Reuters
- China
- South China Morning Post
- National People's Congress of China
- Tsvs
- Central Military Council
- Permanent Committee
- Joint Staff
- PRC (CWS)