He Weidong Investigation Scandal: Xi Jinping’s Military Influence Falters — The End Is Near

Image: He Weidong, Zhao Keshi, and other Xi Jinping loyalists being purged by Zhang Youxia. (Qingyu / People News graphic)

[People News] In April 2025, the absence of Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman He Weidong from a Qingming tree-planting event sparked speculation about his political standing. Previously, the Financial Times quoted sources claiming that He was under investigation for corruption, making him the latest high-ranking CMC official to fall after Miao Hua. Both He and Miao are known close allies of Xi Jinping, having served in the 31st Group Army in Fujian, where they had ties with Xi during his tenure there. Miao Hua was investigated in November 2024 for “serious disciplinary violations,” amid rumors that he was building his own power base. If the allegations against He Weidong prove true, it would mark yet another major blow to Xi’s purge within the military — a sign that his grip on military power may be facing unprecedented challenges.

If He Weidong has indeed been taken down, the blow to Xi’s influence within the military would be devastating. In 2022, at the 20th Party Congress, He was exceptionally promoted to CMC vice chairman, becoming a core figure in Xi’s so-called “Fujian faction.” His rapid rise was widely seen as evidence of Xi’s deep trust. Miao Hua, as head of the CMC Political Work Department, oversaw ideological discipline and loyalty, forming a key pillar in Xi’s military “iron triangle” alongside He. Now, both men are under investigation, and both are linked to the 31st Group Army, suggesting that the very foundation of Xi’s faction is being uprooted. These purges of close allies go far beyond anti-corruption efforts — they may signal an internal backlash within the military or a loss of control by Xi.

Since coming to power in 2012, Xi Jinping has sought to reshape the military through anti-corruption campaigns, taking down major “tigers” like Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong, and promoting loyalists like He Weidong and Miao Hua. However, the scandals involving two consecutive defense ministers — Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, as well as Miao and now possibly He, reveal that deep-rooted problems of corruption and disloyalty persist in the PLA. Xi’s reliance on a “trusted inner circle” may have consolidated power in the short term, but it also sowed the seeds of instability: if these loyalists defect or are co-opted by rival factions, the foundation of Xi’s military control could quickly crumble. If He is indeed under investigation, it may indicate that anti-Xi forces within the military are taking the opportunity to weaken his authority under the guise of anti-corruption.

At a time when external pressure is intensifying — with Trump’s 125% tariffs dealing a severe blow to the Chinese economy — the stability of the military is crucial for Xi’s regime to survive. However, as top military leaders fall one after another, morale is bound to plummet. Xi’s once-absolute authority is now being tested. When Miao Hua was investigated, there were rumors he was building his own power base. He Weidong’s case may also involve similar political ambitions — a betrayal far more damaging to Xi than economic woes. Although these purges are intended to reinforce control, the repeated turmoil only serves to highlight Xi’s inability to fully command the military, and the aura of his power is fading.

In summary, the unfolding crises involving He Weidong and Miao Hua signal the disintegration of Xi Jinping’s military power base. Military control is the cornerstone of his rule, and now that foundation is shaking. Xi’s regime appears to have reached the end of its rope; the tide has turned. 

(Originally published by People News)