China Power Shake-Up: Xi’s No.2 He Weidong Expelled From Party and Army

International News: China’s power corridors are rattling with an unexpected shock. He Weidong, who stood just below Xi Jinping in China’s hierarchy, has been removed from the Communist Party and the military. His fall has stunned Beijing’s insiders, as many considered him the most likely successor to Xi. The official announcement cited “serious corruption charges,” but observers believe political rivalry is equally at play. His expulsion comes just before the ruling party’s annual meeting, raising questions about stability inside China’s tightly controlled system.

From top ranks to disgrace

Weidong’s journey from rising star to disgrace is dramatic. Born in Fujian in 1957, he rose steadily through the military ranks. His closeness to Xi Jinping helped him command key regions including Shanghai and the Eastern Command. In 2022, Xi elevated him to Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, making him the second-most powerful soldier in China. Just two years later, however, his promising career collapsed, exposing the harsh unpredictability of Chinese politics.

Politburo exit adds shockwaves

Not only was Weidong expelled from the military, but he was also stripped of his Politburo membership. This double blow marks a complete political downfall. Once trusted by Xi, he vanished from public view in 2024. Rumors of strained ties with Xi circulated, and today’s confirmation has made those whispers official. In China’s one-party system, such a rapid rise and fall highlights how loyalty alone cannot guarantee survival when the supreme leader feels threatened.

Wider purge across Chinese army

Weidong is not alone in this purge. According to the South China Morning Post, seven other generals have also been suspended on corruption allegations. Names include Miao Hua, He Hongjun, and Wang Xiubin, all linked to sensitive commands. This coordinated move signals that Xi Jinping is cleaning house before the crucial government meetings later this month. Analysts say it could be part of a broader effort to prevent the rise of any alternate power centers in the military.

Xi Jinping’s succession debate grows

The biggest question now is succession. With Xi Jinping in power since 2012 and no clear timeline for departure, speculation had grown that Weidong could be groomed as a future leader. His removal shatters that narrative. Instead, it sends a chilling message—Xi is not ready to share power or prepare a successor. For China’s elite, it reinforces the idea that the President intends to remain unchallenged for years to come, regardless of age or political pressure.

Corruption charges or power politics?

While the official reason for Weidong’s removal is corruption, few in Beijing believe that is the full story. Corruption allegations are often used as political tools in China to eliminate rivals. Xi has long run an anti-corruption campaign, but critics say it doubles as a strategy to keep potential challengers under control. In Weidong’s case, the timing—just ahead of a major government meeting—suggests that political calculations played as much a role as any misconduct.

A turning point in Chinese politics

The fall of He Weidong will reshape China’s power map. Once considered Xi Jinping’s shadow and potential heir, he is now erased from the political landscape. His removal sends a strong warning to others in the leadership: no one is untouchable. For ordinary Chinese citizens, the news may appear distant, but for the global stage, it signals continued uncertainty about who might follow Xi. For now, China’s future remains tied firmly to one man—President Xi Jinping.