Xi Purged His Top General—What It Means for Taiwan (w/ Evan Osnos) | The Long Game

Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer are joined by Evan Osnos to discuss the unfolding situation in Minnesota and a sudden purge at the top of China’s military. They explore what unrest at home and ideological tightening in Beijing reveal about power, loyalty, and America’s global standing, and debate whether Xi Jinping’s removal of his top general (and former friend) Zhang Youxia lowers or raises the odds of China invading Taiwan. #China #XiJinping #Taiwan The conversation begins with a moment to address the ICE crackdown in Minnesota. Jake reflects on the spirit he sees in his home state—“this community known for ‘Minnesota nice’ has also shown that it’s really got a steel backbone." Next, the conversation pivots to Beijing, where Xi Jinping has abruptly purged two senior generals, including the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the People’s Liberation Army, General Zhang Youxia. The episode concludes with a red team/blue team debate on whether this raises or lowers the odds of China invading Taiwan. Follow The Long Game on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Chapters: 0:00 – Episode Highlights & Topic Overview 5:09 – Reflecting on Minnesota ICE Crackdown & Resistance 17:54 – China's Top General Zhang Youxia Purged 24:01 – Theories, Rumors, and What’s Actually Plausible 29:44 – Jake Sullivan’s Meeting with Zhang: Off-Script and Hawkish 37:05 – Taiwan Implications: Miscalculation Risk Without Dissent 52:51 – Red Team/Blue Team 1:10:42 – Recommended Reads