Xi Jinping has effectively decapitated the top of the PLA military command, sidelining his closest allies in an unprecedented purge that raises alarms about internal loyalty and combat readiness. While the move consolidates Xi's absolute power, it may inadvertently delay a move on Taiwan as the military's leadership remains in a state of total flux. Meanwhile, the new TikTok deal suggests that while the ownership is shifting to American billionaires, the core Chinese algorithms remain firmly in Beijing's control.