Priyanka Tiwari
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In a significant escalation of his anti-corruption efforts, Chinese President Xi Jinping has dismissed General He Weidong, the second-ranking officer in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and vice-chair of the Central Military Commission (CMC). This marks the first removal of a serving CMC vice-chair in over six decades, underscoring Xi's commitment to enforcing discipline within China's military ranks.
General He Weidong's Unprecedented Dismissal
General He, also a member of the Communist Party's Politburo, had been notably absent from several key public events, including a major foreign policy meeting and Xi's annual tree-planting ceremony. Sources indicate that He has been under investigation for alleged corruption and has been detained for interrogation.
Broader Purge Sweeps Through PLA and Ministries
Xi's anti-corruption campaign has led to the dismissal of several high-ranking officials over the past two years. Notably, two heads of the PLA Rocket Force and two defense ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, have been removed due to corruption allegations. Former foreign minister Qin Gang, once considered a close ally of Xi, was also unexpectedly ousted, reflecting the extensive reach of the campaign.
Implications for China's Military and Political Landscape
The removal of General He occurs amid domestic challenges for Xi, including economic pressures from the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and declining investor confidence. Analysts suggest that maintaining internal discipline within the PLA is crucial for the Communist Party's control during such uncertain times. Despite rumors about the dismissal of current defense minister Dong Jun, he has been cleared of any wrongdoing and was recently seen meeting with Pakistan's air force chief in Beijing.
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