In an interview with Reuters, John Lee says the purge of China’s top general, Zhang Youxia, is not as shocking as the narrative may present. Such purges are common in Chinese politics, especially under Xi Jinping. Lee says this move does not necessarily signal imminent action against Taiwan. However, he notes that it does leave a leadership gap in the People’s Liberation Army, which may increase the likelihood of the use of force.
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An Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III ICBM launches during an operation test on February 23, 2021, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. (US Space Force)