China’s military purge deepens, top generals arrested amid power struggle

China is undergoing a sweeping military purge, with sources confirming the arrest of He Weidong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission. This development followed a wave of leadership changes in the country and signals growing instability at the highest levels of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The arrest of He Weidong has triggered a chain reaction, with reports indicating that former PLA General Logistics Department Minister Zhao Keshi has also been taken into custody. Alongside him, several senior generals from the Fujian faction have been removed, intensifying the ongoing shake-up within the Chinese military.

The arrests marked a significant shift in the PLA’s power structure, particularly in the management of resources and logistics.

Zhao Keshi’s removal is particularly noteworthy given his prominent role in the PLA. As the former Commander of the Nanjing Military Region and head of the General Logistics Department, he wielded considerable influence over military budgets, resource allocations, and China’s defence industry.

Sources have further revealed that He Weidong’s secretary is now under investigation for allegedly leaking classified information, adding to the turmoil. The purge has extended beyond individual arrests, with reports of the Western Theatre Command Deputy Commander and multiple Fujian-based generals being detained.

Additional intelligence suggests that senior figures, including the Eastern Theatre Navy Commander, the Deputy Director of the CMC Science and Technology Committee, and the Director of the Military Affairs Office, have also been purged.

The crackdown on Fujian-based leaders is particularly significant given Fujian’s status as one of Xi Jinping’s traditional power bases. Observers are now questioning whether Xi is turning on his former allies or responding to a growing anti-Xi movement within the military.

Analysts suggest that the most high-profile targets may still be ahead, and the internal power struggle shows no signs of abating. The coming weeks could reveal whether this is merely a campaign against corruption or the unfolding of a broader, more dangerous contest for control within China’s armed forces.

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