Yet those strengths – as well as his close family ties with Mr. Xi – did not save General Zhang from a dramatic downfall this past week. Turning on an old friendBoth Mr. Xi and General Zhang are “princelings,” or sons of revolutionary leaders, and their fathers were comrades during China’s Civil War. Mr. Xi sent a message with the harsh and public disgracing of General Zhang, who could have been allowed to retire quietly, Mr. Czin says. General Zhang also sits on the party’s powerful ruling Politburo. The fall of General Zhang, who was highly regarded inside the PLA, is likely to hurt the military’s esprit de corps, experts say.