China's Second-in-Command's Absence Sparks Wide Conjecture: The Mystery Surrounding the Missing Top General
Rewritten Article:
In a curious absence, Gen. He Weidong, second in command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), was nowhere to be seen at China's state broadcaster's tree-planting event—a tradition spanning over four decades. Conspicuously missing from the ranks, speculation abounds that He may have become the latest casualty in Xi Jinping's purge of the military's top ranks.
The tree-planting event, aired Wednesday night, took place on the outskirts of Beijing. Yet, Gen. He did not appear as a participant, nor did his name show up in an official report by the state news agency. His absence, hitting the military hierarchy's numbers, has fueled rumors that he has run afoul of the powerful leader, Xi Jinping.
Shared histories dating back to their careers in the coastal province of Fujian add depth to these suspicions. Yet, the Chinese government has provided little clarity on the situation. Asked about Gen. He's whereabouts at a news briefing on March 27, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian merely replied, "We have no information on this matter."
Three weeks out of the public eye is not unusual for a high-ranking official without an overtly public-facing role. However, his no-show at this carefully planned propaganda event stands out, especially in a political system that greatly values symbolism[1].
"Of course, the absence of a CMC vice chairman is significant symbolically," said James Char, a longtime PLA expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore[1]. "It's important for all the major figures that the world knows of to appear in the same picture, because it aids in demonstrating the power and more importantly, the unity of the party."
Commonly referred to as "tea-leaf reading," analyzing Chinese politics hinges on deciphering obscure signals from longstanding traditions and protocol[3]. As Xi Jinping proceeds to concentrate power into his own hands, this practice has become increasingly relevant in understanding the power struggle behind the scenes.
The annual tree-planting event, starting in the late 1980s, underscores the significance of these secretive signals. Originally initiated by late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping as part of a nationwide tree-planting campaign, it was presented as a patriotic, selfless endeavor aimed at "greening the motherland, building socialism, and benefitting future generations." Since Xi Jinping's rise to power in late 2012, his two vice chairmen have led military officers in planting trees every spring, until Gen. He's conspicuous absence this year[3][4].
Removed or suspended under investigation, several high-ranking officials in China's defense establishment have been jettisoned over the past decade, raising questions about Xi Jinping's ability to combat systemic corruption within the military and ensuring its readiness for heightened geopolitical tensions[5]. The seemingly endless purge has extended to those destined for top leadership roles, including generals handpicked by Xi himself[5]. The tumult in the PLA's top ranks indicates a trust issue between Xi and his military officers[5].
Forged close ties with Xi during their early careers in Fujian, both Gen. He and former Adm. Miao Hua appear to have faced the same fate. However, uncertainties still linger, as the Chinese government has yet to publicly acknowledge Gen. He's situation[6].
[1] https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/03/30/1141454634/why-the-absence-of-a-top-chinese-military-official-from-a-ritual-matters[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/24/world/asia/china-military-purge.html[3] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/03/29/world/asia/china-gen-he-absence.html[4] https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/29/asia/china-military-he-weidong-purge-intl-hnk/index.html[5] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/18/china-military-purge-xi-jinping/[6] https://www.bloombergquint.com/world/china-s-top-military-official-in-focus-after-hes-recently-seen-in-public
- The absence of Gen. He Weidong from China's state broadcaster's tree-planting event, a traditional event spanning over four decades, has fueled speculation that he might have become another casualty in Xi Jinping's purge of the military's top ranks.
- The annual tree-planting event, a carefully planned propaganda exercise, holds great significance in the Chinese political system, especially due to its symbolism, as it aids in demonstrating the power and unity of the party.
- The seemingly endless purge of high-ranking officials in China's defense establishment, including generals handpicked by Xi Jinping himself, raises questions about deforestation in the PLA's top ranks, indicating a trust issue between Xi and his military officers.
