Xi's Military Purge Hits 'Asteroid Belt' of Power: No One Safe Now

• President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has reached Gen. Zhang Youxia, a Politburo member and long-time ally, signaling no immunity for even close personal alliances.
• The investigation into Gen. Zhang, Xi's second-in-command in the military, further consolidates power in Xi's hands and deepens opacity around the PLA's leadership.
• Experts suggest the shake-up may reduce the likelihood of a near-term military move against Taiwan, as internal consolidation takes priority.
• The probe marks a "profound shift" in Chinese politics, targeting officials within Xi's inner circle, unlike previous purges.
• The leadership of the People's Liberation Army is now depleted, raising questions about its chain of command and the pace of higher-level initiatives.

Why It Matters: Xi Jinping's military purge now targets his closest allies, consolidating power and potentially delaying Taiwan action.