He Weidong, a top-ranking general and Vice Chairman of China’s powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), was notably absent from a traditional tree-planting ceremony in Beijing this week, fueling speculation that he has become the latest target of President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the military, Bloomberg reports.
The annual event, typically attended by the CMC’s two vice chairs and other high-ranking officers, saw Vice Military Chair Zhang Youxia and other officials present, according to state news agency Xinhua. He Weidong’s absence, particularly given his position as the third-highest ranking military official, has raised eyebrows.
The Chinese Defense Ministry responded to earlier reports of He’s detention last week, stating it was “unaware” of them. However, media outlets such as Newsweek and The Washington Times have reported that He is believed to be under investigation for corruption.
He Weidong was last seen publicly on March 11 at the closing of the National People’s Congress. To date, no public evidence has emerged to support claims of wrongdoing.
If the investigation is confirmed, He would be the most senior sitting defense official to face such scrutiny in over 30 years, since the ousting of Zhao Ziyang in 1989.
President Xi Jinping has made tackling corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the world’s largest military, a top priority. In recent years, numerous high-profile officials have been purged, including the two previous defense ministers, individuals connected to the sensitive Rocket Force, and even Miao Hua, who served on the CMC led by Xi himself.
