Taiwan is closely observing what it describes as “abnormal” changes in China’s military leadership after a top general was placed under investigation, a move Taipei says does not reduce the high threat level from Beijing.

China announced Saturday that Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and Xi Jinping’s second-in-command, along with another senior officer, Liu Zhenli, are under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. Zhang, a veteran of the 1979 border conflict with Vietnam, has long been considered one of Xi’s closest military allies.

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo told parliament the ministry is monitoring leadership shifts across China’s party, government, and military, but cautioned that a single reshuffle is insufficient to draw conclusions about Beijing’s intentions.

“China has never abandoned the use of force against Taiwan,” Koo said. “We won’t let the downfall of any one person make us lower our guard or slacken the level of war preparedness we should maintain.”

Taiwan continues to rely on joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures, alongside intelligence-sharing with international partners, to anticipate potential Chinese moves. Koo emphasized that early-warning indicators must be monitored continuously, both militarily and non-militarily.

The Chinese military operates almost daily around Taiwan, conducting air and naval operations that Taipei considers harassment aimed at pressuring the island over Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Taiwan maintains that only its people can determine its future.