China's Generals Fall from Favor: A Cautionary Tale for Authoritarian Regimes The Communist Party's recent purge of former top PLA generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli has sent shockwaves through Beijing.
This development is not just a story about internal Chinese politics, but also a reminder that even in the most seemingly stable authoritarian regimes, power struggles can turn deadly.
Zhang and Liu were charged with factionalism and disloyalty – charges so vague they are terrifying. In China, the Party's grip on power is maintained through a delicate balance of fear and loyalty.