Hong Kong CNN — In a striking display of military tradition, Chinese military officials clad in brown uniforms were seen carefully planting young trees and shoveling soil into freshly dug pits at an event aired by China’s state broadcaster on Wednesday night. This annual springtime tree-planting ceremony, held on the outskirts of Beijing, has been a staple for the country’s military leadership for over four decades. However, this year’s event was notable for the conspicuous absence of one of its highest-ranking leaders.

General He Weidong, the second-highest-ranking uniformed officer in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was not present at this highly publicized gathering, nor was he mentioned in the official report released by the state news agency. His absence has sparked intense speculation regarding his standing within the military and led to concerns that he may have fallen victim to the ongoing purge orchestrated by President Xi Jinping.

As Xi’s No. 2 general, He Weidong shares a long history with the Chinese leader, dating back to their early careers in the coastal province of Fujian. Rumors began circulating around He following the recent annual political meetings, suggesting that he might be under investigation. The 67-year-old general has not been seen in public for three weeks, with the last sightings being during the closing ceremony of the National People’s Congress on March 11.

When pressed for details about He’s absence during a briefing on March 27, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian provided little clarity, stating, “There is no information on this matter, and we are not aware of the situation.” This lack of transparency has heightened concerns and curiosity regarding He’s current status.

In the context of Chinese politics, a prolonged absence from public view is not entirely unusual for high-ranking officials, particularly those without direct public-facing roles. However, He’s absence from such a choreographed and symbolically significant event raises eyebrows. The tree-planting ceremony is not only a military tradition but also a carefully curated public display of unity and power within the Communist Party, and the absence of a vice-chairman from such an event is seen as highly significant.

James Char, a seasoned PLA expert and assistant professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, emphasized the symbolic weight of He’s absence, saying, “Clearly the absence of one CMC vice chair is important symbolically.” He added that such events are crucial for demonstrating the power and unity of the party, particularly in a political landscape where public appearances are a vital aspect of maintaining authority.

The historical origins of this tree-planting initiative can be traced back to the late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping, who launched a nationwide campaign in response to devastating floods in 1981 that he attributed to rampant deforestation. The campaign was presented as a patriotic endeavor focused on “greening the motherland, building socialism, and benefiting future generations.” Deng himself planted the first tree of this campaign, setting a precedent that has been observed by successive leaders.

This year marked the 43rd consecutive gathering of the Central Military Commission (CMC) leadership for this tree-planting activity, according to the state news agency Xinhua. Since Xi came to power in 2012, the two vice-chairmen of the CMC have participated in this tradition without fail each spring, making He’s absence even more notable.

Despite He’s absence, the first-ranking vice chairman, General Zhang Youxia, and two other generals, Liu Zhenli and Zhang Shengmin, attended the ceremony. Interestingly, the only other CMC member who did not appear was Admiral Miao Hua, who has been under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” an expression typically associated with corruption and disloyalty.

While speculation mounts regarding He’s fate, some believe he may have been preoccupied with preparations for military exercises around Taiwan that began shortly after the tree-planting event. The PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, which He commanded from 2019 to 2022, conducted drills simulating blockade maneuvers around Taiwan, suggesting that operational duties might explain his absence.

However, a lack of public presence can often raise red flags in the opaque realm of Chinese politics. While some officials have managed to return to their duties after brief periods in the spotlight, others have not been so fortunate. Last November, Defense Minister Dong Jun faced allegations of corruption but quickly reappeared in public after the rumors were dismissed by the Defense Ministry as “sheer fabrication.”

In the past decade, Xi Jinping has methodically consolidated control over the Chinese military by replacing powerful generals from rival factions with loyal allies. Nevertheless, recent purges—especially those focusing on high-ranking officials in the defense establishment—have raised questions about Xi's ability to root out corruption within the military, especially as it faces increasing geopolitical tensions.

Drew Thompson, a senior fellow at the RSIS, noted, “Recurring purges of the senior-most PLA leaders indicate that Xi Jinping distrusts his officer corps.” He added that the removal of so many senior leaders could negatively impact the PLA’s morale and operational capabilities.

As the political landscape continues to shift, analysts argue that the PLA may be adapting to this new normal of leadership shake-ups. Research fellow Collin Koh suggested that the military might be isolating these purges from its daily operations, maintaining readiness despite the turmoil. “Purges might potentially remind the PLA to perform better,” he observed.

General He Weidong’s close relationship with Xi Jinping began during their formative years in Fujian, where Xi was rising through the ranks. Both He and Admiral Miao have deep ties to the former 31st Group Army, which has long been a base of power for Xi.

He’s meteoric rise through military ranks, culminating in his appointment as CMC vice chairman, highlights Xi’s trust in him. However, should He be confirmed as under investigation, he would join the ranks of other high-profile military officials removed during Xi’s tenure, raising questions about the future of the CMC and the changing dynamics of power within China. Char remarked, “What happens finally to He Weidong gives us a window into how the political system in China is being restructured further under Xi Jinping.”

Ultimately, the events surrounding He Weidong’s absence from the tree-planting ceremony not only symbolize the uncertainties within the military but also reflect broader themes of loyalty, power, and the ongoing challenges of governance in contemporary China under Xi Jinping’s rule.