Reports indicate that significant changes are taking place within China’s military, with senior generals being detained. The most notable name in this development is He Weidong, who serves as the Vice President of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of China. While there has been no official confirmation yet, reports suggest that He Weidong was last seen on March 11, after which he was taken into custody. His residences in Shanghai and Beijing were searched, but no trace of him was found.
The detention of He Weidong is significant because he is one of the five key members of the CMC, the body that commands the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The CMC is led by President Xi Jinping himself, with He Weidong holding a crucial position directly below him. It is believed that He Weidong had strong ties with Xi Jinping, which played a major role in his rise within the military. However, this shake-up is not limited to He Weidong alone. Several senior generals associated with the PLA’s General Logistics Department, including Zhao Kezhi and others, have also been detained.
Experts believe that Xi Jinping is taking these stringent measures to eliminate opposition within the military ranks. The province of Fujian has become a particular focus in these actions, as it is the closest mainland province to Taiwan and has historically been a stronghold of Xi’s influence. This has raised questions about whether Xi Jinping is turning against his former allies or responding to growing opposition within the military. Such purges are not new in China; they date back to the era of Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China. Mao had initiated the Hundred Flowers Campaign, which initially encouraged open criticism but later led to the systematic elimination of those who spoke against the government.
China operates under a one-party system dominated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Although there are other political parties like the China Democratic League and the China Association for Promoting Democracy, their influence is nominal. Since 1949, the CCP has maintained control over the country, with the General Secretary holding the highest authority. Xi Jinping has been China’s president since March 2013 and continues to consolidate his power.
The structure of the Chinese military also differs from other nations. Unlike the Indian or British armies, which serve their respective nations, the PLA remains an armed wing of the Communist Party rather than a national military force. Its primary duty is to ensure the CCP’s continued rule rather than serving the people of China directly. The ongoing crackdown on senior military leaders suggests that Xi Jinping is further tightening his grip on the military. Analysts predict that more names may surface as Xi continues to assert his authority.
