In a significant anti-corruption move, China has expelled General He Weidong, the second-highest-ranking official in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), along with eight other senior military officers.
Incident Overview
China’s Defense Ministry announced the expulsion of General He Weidong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and a member of the Politburo, from both the Communist Party and the military. This marks the first time in over six decades that a serving member of the CMC has been dismissed while in office. General He had been absent from public view for several months, a common indicator of potential political downfall in China.
In addition to General He, eight other senior military officials were also expelled. Among them is Admiral Miao Hua, the former director of the CMC’s Political Work Department, who had been under investigation since November 2024. The Defense Ministry cited “extremely serious crimes involving exceptionally large sums of money” as the reason for their dismissal. The cases have been referred to military prosecutors for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Political Implications
This purge is part of President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which has been a hallmark of his leadership since 2012. The campaign has targeted thousands of officials, including high-profile political rivals. Analysts view this move as a demonstration of Xi’s authority and a strategy to consolidate power within the military. The timing of the expulsions, just days before a major Communist Party meeting in Beijing, suggests that leadership reshuffles may be imminent.
