# Xi versus his generals

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-general-the-journalist-7337304/xi-versus-his-generals
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-general-the-journalist-7337304/xi-versus-his-generals.md
Podcast: [The General & The Journalist](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-general-the-journalist-7337304)
Published: 2026-01-29T00:01:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/times-war/episodes/japan-china-and-a-coup-in-xis-court
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6825a844b1b74cbbae73d5a8/e/697a2385d577b417ba3bbdb8/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-general-the-journalist-7337304/episodes/xi-versus-his-generals
Duration seconds: 2127

## Resource

Xi Jinping has effectively removed his last remaining rival power-base in Beijing. Until last weekend, Zhang Youxia was the highest ranking general in the Chinese armed forces and second only to Xi in the military's hierarchy. But having now carried out an almost-total purge of the PLA's leadership, has Xi consolidated his power or, ultimately, undermined it? And what does it mean for a prospective move on Taiwan? Patrick and Tom are joined from Taipei by RUSI's Philip Shetler-Jones, to talk about rumours of a coup and chew over what's left of the PLA's command and control structures. Watching events in Beijing closely will be Japan, which has recently ditched its post-war pacificism to rearm at breakneck speed. Recognising the reality of Xi's ambition to 'reunite' with Taiwan, and mindful of an increasingly unpredictable America, Tokyo has come off the fence and declared that any attack on Taiwan would automatically draw it into a war with China. But is it too late to deter Xi? Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders & Tom Newton Dunn Producer: Marnie Duke Executive producer: Fiona Leach Clips: Al Arabiya English Photo: Getty Images Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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