A screenshot purportedly showing Mao Xinyu expressing support for senior military figure Zhang Youxia has been widely shared online, prompting scrutiny and debate.
There has been no official confirmation of the authenticity of the screenshot.
Some commentators argue that multiple inconsistencies suggest the post was unlikely written by Mao himself. Others contend that, authentic or not, the message reflects dissatisfaction among members of the Chinese Communist Party’s so-called “red second generation” toward Xi Jinping.
On Feb. 26, the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress concluded its 21st meeting. The official communiqué, No. 16, made no reference to removing Zhang Youxia or Liu Zhenli from their positions as National People’s Congress deputies, nor to stripping them of related posts.
The following day, a screenshot began circulating online, said to be taken from a WeChat Moments post by Mao Xinyu, the grandson of former CCP leader Mao Zedong. The post reads: “We should reflect on why Zhang Youxia was a good comrade of the Party one day and a corrupt element the next. Allowing the people to supervise the government and the military is the only remedy. Unfortunately, as of 2026, this has still not been achieved.”
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The account name displayed in the screenshot is “Major General Mao Xinyu,” with a timestamp of 11:39 a.m. on Jan. 25, 2026.
An X platform blogger using the name “New Highland” wrote that the remarks had been verified as originating from Mao Xinyu’s WeChat Moments and were spreading domestically without having been removed by censors. The blogger characterized the message as questioning Xi’s handling of Zhang Youxia and suggested it reflected dissatisfaction among elite revolutionary families. The blogger also speculated that the wording may have been drafted by someone else and posted under Mao’s name.
The screenshot drew discussion online. Some users expressed skepticism, arguing that Mao would be unlikely to post such a statement or to use his military rank in his account name. Others interpreted the message as indirect criticism of the current leadership.
Commentators draw parallels to earlier remarks
Tang Jingyuan, a U.S.-based political commentator, said in a self-media program that the screenshot was likely fabricated, citing the unusual use of “Major General” in a personal WeChat nickname. He compared the case to a previously circulated “open letter” allegedly written by Zhang Youxia’s son, which he believes was drafted by others.
Tang noted, however, that the substance of the circulating message resembles Mao Xinyu’s past public statements.
During the CCP’s annual “Two Sessions” in March 2016, Mao, then a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, told state media that the public should supervise officials at all levels of government and the military, adding that maintaining a people-oriented character was essential to combating corruption.
In March 2013, according to Xinhua, Mao stated that the key to fighting corruption lay in granting the public greater democratic and supervisory rights, and that such rights were sometimes disregarded by leading cadres.
Tang argued that even if the screenshot was manipulated, its language aligns with Mao’s earlier remarks on supervision and anti-corruption. He suggested that individuals familiar with Mao’s speaking style and with the red second-generation circle could have crafted the wording.
Four doubts about authenticity
Another U.S.-based commentator, Zhang Tianliang, outlined four reasons for questioning the post’s authenticity.
First, the screenshot is dated Jan. 25, yet it began circulating widely about a month later.
Second, Zhang said the tone and structure of the message differ from Mao Xinyu’s usual public style. Mao’s public appearances in recent years have generally focused on reiterating established ideological themes and official formulations, rather than addressing sensitive political controversies in direct terms.
Third, Zhang pointed to formatting inconsistencies, stating that the layout shown in the screenshot does not match typical WeChat Moments display conventions.
Fourth, the use of “Major General Mao Xinyu” as a nickname appears unusually formal. Senior CCP figures rarely use full names together with military ranks in personal social media accounts.
Zhang added that Mao Xinyu has maintained a relatively low profile in recent years, appearing mainly at commemorative events such as the Sept. 3 military parade or activities in Shaoshan marking Mao Zedong’s birthday. In public settings, he has largely reiterated official slogans and has not been known for making pointed political comments.