China’s top military official and second in command of the country’s powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) appears to have been detained by the communist government. He Weidong, who serves as the vice chairman of the CMC—second only to President Xi Jinping—has reportedly been arrested, which suggests a significant shakeup of leadership in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could be underway.
He Weidong’s career progression is thought to have been influenced by his connection to Xi during the Chinese president’s time as governor of Fujian, where He served in and became associated with the so-called Fujian clique. Previously, he held the position of head of the military’s Eastern Theater Command, a role involving oversight of operations related to Taiwan.
Zhao Lanjian, an independent journalist known for investigative reporting regarding government actions in the notoriously opaque communist state, claims that two independent sources have verified He’s alleged arrest. Zhao also mentions that He’s secretary is under investigation, suggesting a possibility of leaked classified information. Additionally, Zhao Keshi, former head of the General Logistics Department, is reportedly in custody. The General Logistics Department, responsible for military logistics, was restructured in 2016.
If these reports hold true, they might intensify discussions about Xi Jinping’s influence over the military and raise questions about potential internal conflicts in the PLA. In late 2024, another CMC member, Miao Hua, was investigated for “serious violations of discipline,” a term often linked to corruption cases.
The move—if confirmed—could suggest significant changes in China’s policy toward the island of Taiwan. Xi has repeatedly insisted that military action against the island is imminent and that the communist state will not allow Taiwan to remain independent.
