Zhang Youxia, former vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission and a longtime Xi Jinping ally, was placed under formal investigation in January 2026 for “serious violations of discipline and law,” the standard phrasing for corruption probes. Official statements and PLA Daily editorials framed the case as a direct challenge to party authority over the military, consistent with the broader 2023–2026 purge that has removed multiple senior generals. However, comparable high-level cases—such as those against former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, investigated in 2023 and sentenced only in May 2026—demonstrate that formal trials, convictions, and prison sentences for CMC-level figures routinely span many months or years. As of early August 2026, no trial date, indictment details, or sentencing announcement for Zhang has emerged in state media or credible reporting. Chinese disciplinary processes prioritize internal party procedures before judicial action, and political considerations can further extend timelines. These patterns underpin the 89.5% trader consensus on “No” for sentencing before 2027, reflecting the established pace of such investigations rather than any reversal of Zhang’s political downfall.