Xi Jinping’s Military Purge: Fewer Officials Attend Key Event – 2026 Update

Xi Jinping’s Military Purge: Fewer Officials Attend Key Event – 2026 Update

February 8, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Beijing – A recent appearance by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Xi Jinping at a Lunar New Year event with veterans has drawn attention to the ongoing shakeup within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). On February 6th, Xi was accompanied by only one high-ranking military official: Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin. Observers have noted a diminishing number of attendees accompanying Xi at these events.

Shifting Power Dynamics in the PLA

The event follows the recent announcement, on January 24th, of the removal of both CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and CMC member Liu Zhenli. With these removals, the current CMC consists of Chairman Xi Jinping and Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin. This has led some to characterize the CMC as being fundamentally dismantled, with commentary emerging referring to Xi Jinping as “the Destroyer.”

Did You Know? In 2024, Xi Jinping was accompanied by Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, and Zhang Shengmin at a similar event, while in 2025, the attendees were Zhang Youxia, He Weidong, Liu Zhenli, and Zhang Shengmin.

Recent Personnel Changes

The changes within the PLA have been occurring against a backdrop of intense internal political maneuvering. In 2025, Miao Hua was reportedly “suspended for investigation” in addition to the earlier removal of Li Shangfu. Independent commentator Cai Shenkun noted that the personnel attending the event with Xi are not familiar faces, suggesting a pattern of removal or marginalization of established military leaders. He further stated that many generals promoted by Xi Jinping have been subject to purges and investigations, leaving only those who publicly demonstrate loyalty.

Chinese writer Zhong Xinxie highlighted the trend on X (formerly Twitter), questioning what the attendance will look like in 2027, given the current trajectory. Online reactions to the event ranged from expressions of fear regarding Zhang Shengmin’s position to speculation about Xi Jinping potentially performing the event solo in the future.

Expert Insight: The diminishing number of high-ranking military officials accompanying Xi Jinping at public events signals a consolidation of power and a potential weakening of collective leadership within the PLA. This could indicate a heightened level of distrust and a desire to eliminate potential rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What positions do Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli formerly hold?

Zhang Youxia was the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Liu Zhenli was a member of the Central Military Commission.

Who currently holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission?

Zhang Shengmin currently holds the position of Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission.

What has been the reaction to the recent changes within the PLA?

Some observers have described the CMC as being fundamentally dismantled, and a new nickname for Xi Jinping, “the Destroyer,” has emerged in Beijing’s political circles.

As the PLA undergoes significant restructuring, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact China’s military strategy and its role on the global stage.