Recent purges of senior PLA figures, including the January 2026 investigation and later expulsion of Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff Department Chief Liu Zhenli for alleged factionalism, disloyalty, and disciplinary violations, have fueled speculation around internal military tensions. Official Chinese statements frame these as anti-corruption measures, while analysts connect them to differing views on Taiwan contingency planning and Xi Jinping’s authority over the armed forces. The Central Military Commission has been significantly streamlined, reinforcing centralized control. Trader consensus on low probabilities for a coup attempt by end-2026 reflects the absence of confirmed coordinated action by military factions, combined with the opaque but effective mechanisms of party discipline. Further leadership adjustments or policy announcements tied to 2027 readiness targets could influence sentiment.