According to reports circulating online and attributed to sources cited by Reuters and Bloomberg, there are claims of an attempted military coup in China targeting President Xi Jinping.
What is being claimed: Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Zhang Youxia, is alleged to have led the plot, alongside Joint Staff Chief Liu Zhenli. Reports suggest clashes between forces loyal to Zhang and presidential security, with casualties among Xi’s guards.
The alleged plan aimed to mobilise troops under the slogan “Save the Party, Save the Nation.” The plot reportedly collapsed after an internal betrayal. Zhang Youxia, Liu Zhenli, their families, and up to 3,000 military personnel are said to be under detention.
Authorities allegedly imposed heightened combat readiness, halted troop movements, confiscated mobile phones, and launched propaganda campaigns.
These events coincided with PLA exercises simulating strikes on Taiwan. What is confirmed: China’s Ministry of National Defense has acknowledged investigations into Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli for “serious violations of discipline and law,” a term often linked to corruption cases.
What remains unverified: Claims of a coup attempt, armed clashes, and mass detentions have not been officially confirmed and are largely circulating on social media and opposition platforms.
Western media assessments largely frame the situation as part of Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of senior military figures, rather than evidence of a failed coup.
Confirmed Reporting
Reuters: China’s Ministry of National Defense confirms investigations into senior PLA figures for “serious violations of discipline and law.”
Associated Press: Developments linked to President Xi Jinping’s ongoing military anti-corruption and loyalty purge.
Financial Times / ABC News Australia: Analysts frame events as a consolidation of control within the PLA, not confirmed coup activity.
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