He Weidong ‘Disappears’: Is Xi Jinping in Danger?

The Chinese official’s fall could be the result of anti-Xi forces taking action, causing Xi Jinping to lose control.

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

Commentary

He Weidong, Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s close ally and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has not been seen since his last public appearance on March 11 at the closing ceremony of the National People’s Congress. On March 13, independent journalist Zhao Lanjian revealed that He had been arrested, sparking widespread interest.