China Keeps Silent as Speculation Grows Over Fate of No. 3 Military Official

China’s defense ministry said they are ‘not aware’ of reports that Gen. He Weidong has been placed under investigation.

Gen. He Weidong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, attends the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing on March 4, 2025. Pedro Pardo/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese authorities skirted questions about the status of the leader of the nation’s top military body during a press conference on Thursday, adding to speculations that the commander may have been purged.

Responding to a question about reports claiming that Gen. He Weidong is under investigation for corruption, China’s Ministry of National Defense told reporters that it is “not aware of the situation.”