K. Tristan Tang
As early as March 13, reports began to suggest that He Weidong (何卫东), a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), had come under investigation following the big annual political gatherings in Beijing known as the “Two Sessions” (The Epoch Times, March 14). The Financial Times, citing five people familiar with the matter, reported on April 10 confirming He’s removal (Financial Times, April 10). This reporting followed He’s absence from the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries (中央周边工作会议), held from April 8–9. This event was attended by all other members of the Politburo, as well as senior three-star generals on the CMC, including CMC Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission Zhang Shengmin (张升民), Minister of National Defense Dong Jun (董军), Director of the Equipment Development Department Xu Xueqiang (许学强), Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff Department Xu Qiling (徐起零), and Deputy Director of the Political Work Department He Hongjun (何宏军) (CCTV, April 9). (See Figure 1).
He Weidong has not made any public appearances since the Two Sessions and has been absent from key events. Although he still appears in the official list of Politburo members on Xinhua’s website and the government has yet to release any related information, his absence raises the possibility that, barring major illness, he is under investigation. Alternatively, as the Financial Times report suggests, He Weidong may have been suspended or removed from his position already (Xinhua, accessed April 10).
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