China: Defence Minister Li Shangfu Removed From Cabinet After Being 'Missing' for Months, Second High-Profile Ouster After Qin Gang's Removal as Foreign Minister
China has replaced Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, who has been out of public view for almost two months with little explanation, state media reported Tuesday.
Taipei, October 24: China has replaced Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, who has been out of public view for almost two months with little explanation, state media reported Tuesday. Li is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from office in July with no explanation offered. Li, who became defense minister during a Cabinet reshuffle in March, hasn't been seen since giving a speech on August 29.
There is no indication that the disappearances of Qin and Li signal a change in China's foreign or defense policies, although they have raised questions about the resilience of president and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping's circle of power. Xi has a reputation for valuing loyalty above all and has relentlessly attacked corruption in public and private, sometimes in what has been seen as a method of eliminating political rivals and shoring up his political position amid a deteriorating economy and rising tensions with U.S. over trade, technology, and Taiwan. China: Reluctant to Get Married or Have Kids, Doctor Tricks Pregnant Girlfriend Into Taking Abortion Pill.
China Removes Defense Minister Li Shangfu
Li is under U.S. sanctions related to his overseeing weapon purchases from Russia that bar him from entering the country. China has since cut off contacts with the U.S. military, mainly in protest over U.S. arm sales to Taiwan, but also strongly implying that Washington must lift the measures against Li, which Beijing refuses to publicly recognize. The announcement from state broadcaster CCTV said that both Li and Qin had been removed from the State Council, China's Cabinet, and the centre of government power. Chinese Diplomat to Visit Washington Ahead of Possible Meeting Between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.
That virtually assures the end of their political careers, although it remains unclear whether they will face prosecution or other legal sanctions. China's political and legal systems remain highly opaque, fueling lively discussion of possible corruption, personal foibles or fallings-out with other powerful figures leading to the downfall of top officials. (AP)