Who really controls China’s military—the paranoid Xi Jinping or his powerful vice chairman Zhang Youxia? This question lies at the heart of today’s biggest geopolitical debate. In this program, we break down the evidence from both sides: Xi’s dramatic parade appearance, Zhang’s rare praise of Xi Jinping Thought, the mysterious downfall of Xi’s most loyal generals, and the sudden reemergence of his rivals. Is Xi still the undisputed commander-in-chief? Has Zhang quietly taken control of the PLA? Or was there a secret deal—brokered by powerful Party elders—that forced a temporary truce? The answer could shape China’s future, the Taiwan Strait, and global security.
