“Speculation Surrounds Disappearance of Chinese General” General He Weidong’s absence from a recent military ceremony has sparked rumors of his potential involvement in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing purge of top military officials. The event, a traditional tree-planting ceremony attended by senior military leaders, was broadcast on China’s state television. Despite the presence of other high-ranking officers, Gen. He was notably missing from the proceedings, leading to speculation about his status within the Central Military Commission (CMC).
As the second-highest-ranking uniformed officer in the People’s Liberation Army, Gen. He’s absence has raised concerns about his well-being and political standing. Rumors of an investigation into his activities surfaced following China’s annual political meetings last month, and he has not been seen in public since March 11. The Chinese government has provided little information on the situation, with the Defense Ministry spokesperson stating that they are not aware of Gen. He’s whereabouts.
While it is not uncommon for top military officials to be out of the public eye for extended periods, Gen. He’s absence from a high-profile event has drawn attention to the internal dynamics of the Chinese leadership. Analysts suggest that his missing presence at the ceremony holds symbolic significance, highlighting the importance of unity and loyalty within the Communist Party.
In the context of President Xi’s consolidation of power and the opaque nature of Chinese politics, observers are carefully analyzing the situation to decipher potential implications for Gen. He’s future. The annual tree-planting ceremony, steeped in Communist Party tradition, is being scrutinized for clues about the general’s standing and the broader political landscape in China.
In late 1981, under the leadership of paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, a campaign was launched to combat the devastating floods caused by rampant deforestation. This initiative was framed as a patriotic and selfless effort to “green the motherland, build socialism, and benefit future generations.” Deng, serving as chairman of the CMC at the time, planted the inaugural tree of the campaign the following spring, establishing a tradition that has been upheld by subsequent Chinese leaders and military officials.
For the 43rd consecutive year, the CMC leadership participated in a voluntary tree-planting activity in the capital, as reported by the state news agency Xinhua. Since assuming power in late 2012, President Xi Jinping’s two vice chairmen on the CMC consistently led military officers in tree-planting efforts each spring, although Vice Chairman He was notably absent on this occasion.
Despite He’s absence, the event was attended by top military officers including General Zhang Youxia and Generals Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin. The only other CMC member in uniform who did not attend was Adm. Miao Hua, who had been suspended for investigation due to alleged “serious violations of discipline.”
Speculation arose about He’s absence, with some suggesting he may have been involved in military exercises around Taiwan. These exercises involved surprise drills by PLA forces to test capabilities related to blockading the island, striking its ports and infrastructure, and conducting long-range live-fire exercises.
While prolonged absences from public view can sometimes indicate trouble for Chinese officials, some have resurfaced and resumed their duties in the past. Officials may also be temporarily questioned by anti-corruption authorities to assist in investigations. Defense Minister Dong Jun, for example, was previously reported to be under investigation for corruption but later reappeared in public.
Xi Jinping, upon beginning his third term in 2022, appointed loyalists to key positions within the Central Military Commission. However, recent developments have seen one member expelled from the Communist Party for corruption, another suspended pending investigation, and a third missing a high-profile event.
Xi’s efforts to purge disloyal and corrupt elements from the military have been ongoing since he assumed power, resulting in the removal of influential figures from rival factions and the promotion of his own allies. Despite these efforts, challenges related to graft and disloyalty persist within the Chinese defense establishment, prompting continued scrutiny and action from the leadership.
Senior officials of the establishment have been removed in a comprehensive purge that targeted the country’s nuclear force and equipment procurement. This includes two defense ministers who were promoted to the Central Military Commission by Xi. The ongoing turmoil within the higher echelons of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has raised concerns about Xi’s ability to eradicate systemic corruption in the military and boost its combat readiness amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
“The repeated purges of top PLA leaders suggest that Xi Jinping lacks trust in his officer corps,” remarked Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at RSIS. “The frequent removal of numerous senior officers, coupled with pervasive corruption reaching the highest levels, undoubtedly impacts the morale and likely the military capabilities of the PLA,” Thompson continued.
However, some analysts pointed out that the PLA may have grown accustomed to the leadership changes in its top command structure. “Leadership purges in the PLA appear to have become commonplace to the extent that it is now perceived as part and parcel of being in the PLA,” noted Collin Koh, another research fellow at RSIS.
The Chinese military may have adapted to these purges, isolating them from their daily operational activities and continuing business as usual, Koh observed. “These purges do not necessarily imply a relaxation in readiness within the PLA. On the contrary, they might serve to remind the PLA to perform their duties more effectively. To avoid purges, one way is to adhere to the party’s directives, which emphasize preparedness for conflict,” he added.
General He, like Miao, is believed to have developed close personal ties with Xi during their concurrent service in Fujian. Both officers began their careers in the former 31st Group Army in Fujian, which became a significant power base for Xi. Since Xi ascended to power in late 2012, several officers from the 31st Group Army have been rapidly promoted.
General He was no exception to this trend. He rose swiftly through the ranks, assuming key positions in various military districts and garrisons. His ultimate display of trust from Xi came when he was appointed as the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission at the 20th Party Congress in 2022, despite not having served on the Central Committee of the Communist Party.
If General He is indeed under investigation, he would be the first sitting vice chairman of the CMC to be purged by Xi. This move reflects Xi’s restructuring of the political landscape in China. The last time a sitting CMC vice chair was removed was over three decades ago during the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen pro-democracy movement.
The developments surrounding General He Weidong shed light on the ongoing restructuring of the political system in China under Xi Jinping, highlighting the PLA’s reforms and the changing dynamics within the military.
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“He expressed doubts about the current political system, stating that no one is indispensable within it. Describing a strong political leader’s approach, he emphasized the ruthless nature of constantly removing individuals within his own circle to maintain control over his team.”
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