Wei Fenghe

Wei Fenghe, born in February nineteen fifty-four, is a distinguished retired general of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). He notably served as the commander of the PLA Rocket Force, previously known as the Second Artillery Corps. His military career reached a significant milestone when he was appointed Minister of National Defense from two thousand eighteen to two thousand twenty-three, marking him as the first individual in this role not to have a background in the PLA Ground Forces.

During his tenure, Wei held the esteemed position of first-ranked State Councilor from March two thousand eighteen to March two thousand twenty-three, as well as being the first-ranked ordinary Member of the Central Military Commission (CMC). His leadership in these roles was pivotal in shaping China's defense policies and military strategies.

However, in September two thousand twenty-three, Wei's career faced a dramatic turn when he was investigated by the CMC's disciplinary inspection department on charges of corruption. This investigation culminated in June two thousand twenty-four, when he was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and his case was referred to the military judiciary for criminal prosecution. Additionally, his rank of General in the Rocket Force was revoked, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-prominent military leader.