Khaberni - The Chinese Ministry of Defense announced on Friday the opening of investigations on corruption charges against the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, General He Weidong, and eight other senior military officials.
These individuals are the latest to join a long list of senior officers affected by the extensive anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping, which encompasses both civil and military circles.
General He Weidong, who served as the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, has not been seen in public for several months, sparking speculation about his fate.
The Central Military Commission is the highest body for military leadership in China, and He Weidong's position as Vice Chairman makes him the third highest military official in the country after President Xi Jinping.
General He was absent from the major military parade held on September 3rd in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over Japan.
The Financial Times reported in April that he was arrested and removed from his post. This is the first time that the Chinese authorities officially confirmed his removal from office, without clarifying whether he is detained.
Ministry of Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said in a statement that the nine officers were dismissed from the military ranks, adding that He Weidong and seven others, who are also members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, were expelled from it as well.
The spokesperson added that "the severe sanctions imposed on these individuals demonstrate once again the firm determination of the Party's Central Committee and the Central Military Commission to combat corruption."
