Xu Qiliang thrived under four generations of CCP leaders—Deng, Jiang, Hu, and Xi—without decline; He served as a symbol of truce in the compromise between Xi Jinping and the Tuanpai (Communist Youth League faction); The simultaneous political turnarounds of Hu Haifeng and Xu Qiliang marked a turning point in Xi Jinping’s weakening grip on power. (Provided by "Portraits of the Truth")
[People News] The recent sudden death of Xu Qiliang, former vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, has sparked widespread speculation regarding the cause of his death and its potential ties to power struggles within the Communist Party's upper ranks. On the morning of June 8, Xu Qiliang's funeral took place at Babaoshan Cemetery in Beijing, attended by General Secretary Xi Jinping along with six other members of the Politburo Standing Committee, who came to pay their respects. Notably, He Weidong, the current vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, was the only Politburo member who did not send a floral tribute, leading to much speculation about his absence.
Suspicion Surrounds Xu Qiliang's Cause of Death: Rumours of Shock from a Purge
According to an official report from Xinhua News Agency, Xu Qiliang passed away due to illness at 12:12 PM on June 2 in Beijing, at the age of 75. However, as early as May 31, users on the overseas social media platform X claimed that Xu Qiliang had actually died in the early hours of May 28, reportedly from a sudden heart attack.
Hong Kong media cited veteran journalist Ma Ling, who stated that Xu Qiliang suffered a myocardial infarction while jogging in his yard and was rushed to the hospital, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. However, various narratives are circulating online, with some suggesting that the cause of his death is more complex, alleging that he was 'scared to death' during the purge, while others indicate that his death may be linked to military power struggles.
During an interview, Shen Mingshi, a researcher at Taiwan's National Defence Security Research Institute, analysed that Xu Qiliang's sudden death could be closely linked to the ongoing purges within the Chinese Communist Party's military. He noted that Xu has a close relationship with Xi Jinping and had assisted Xi in eliminating military leaders from the Jiang faction. This connection may have led to concerns about retaliation and excessive mental stress, potentially triggering heart disease. Another possibility is that Zhang Youxia, the current Vice Chairman of the Military Commission, took action amid the power struggle.
From old acquaintances in Fujian to a key military figure, Xu Qiliang has a rich military background
Born in March 1950 within the Chinese Communist Air Force system, Xu holds the rank of Air Force General. He has served in various significant roles, including Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Deputy Chief of General Staff, and Air Force Commander. He has also held important positions such as a member of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, Vice Chairman of the Military Commission, and member of the Politburo, retiring in March 2023.
Xu was a key executor of Xi Jinping's early purges of military dissenters and led the reorganisation of both the Rocket Force and the Strategic Support Force. However, the Rocket Force later faced a major corruption scandal, and the Strategic Support Force was also disbanded and reorganised.
A vintage photo from 1991 has recently garnered renewed attention. The image shows Xi Jinping, who was then the Secretary of the Fuzhou Municipal Committee, standing alongside Xu Qiliang, the commander of the Eighth Army stationed in Fuzhou. This indicates that the two established a close relationship during their time in Fujian. Independent commentator Du Zheng noted that Xu can be regarded as a core member of Xi's faction, having officially returned to the fold after Xi came to power.
The absence of He Weidong from sending wreaths raises suspicions that he may have 'encountered an incident' or may be deceased
The absence of a floral wreath from He Weidong, the current Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, has emerged as the most striking anomaly at this funeral. Live footage from CCTV shows that, apart from the seven members of the Politburo Standing Committee, the names of another sixteen Politburo members appeared on four floral wreaths, with He Weidong notably absent.
Independent commentator Cai Shenkun highlighted on the X platform that this suggests He Weidong may no longer hold the qualifications of a Politburo member, and it is unlikely that he is merely on leave or inspecting the front lines. He had previously disclosed on May 24 that He Weidong had passed away on May 2 at Beijing 301 Hospital, a claim that remains unverified by official sources. However, his absence from the floral wreaths has reignited speculation surrounding this rumour.
The Xi faction generals have faced a series of setbacks, significantly undermining the military's morale
There have been numerous personnel changes within the Chinese Communist Party's military recently, with Xi Jinping's trusted generals encountering various issues. In 2023, the command structure of the Rocket Force, which Xi personally appointed, was replaced, followed by the dismissal of then-Defence Minister Li Shangfu. In June, the Chinese Communist Party officially reported that Li Shangfu and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, were under investigation for bribery and compromising military equipment development. Five months later, Miao Hua, the Director of the Political Work Department of the Military Commission, was also suspended. In March of this year, Vice Chairman He Weidong's whereabouts became unknown.
Independent commentator Du Zheng analysed that Xi Jinping's core military personnel have nearly all been eliminated, indicating that the Chinese Communist military is experiencing severe internal strife and significant damage to its morale amid this power struggle.
Former writer for the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Wang Youqun noted that Xu Qiliang, He Weidong, Miao Hua, and others share close ties, and during the crackdown on the 'Miao Hua-He Weidong political clique,' the sudden death of Xu Qiliang may be closely linked to this case. △
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