China has recently replaced its Defense Minister, General Li Shangfu, who has been absent from the public eye for nearly two months without any explanation, according to state media reports on Tuesday.
This marks the second instance this year of a senior Chinese official disappearing, with former Foreign Minister Qin Gang being removed from office in July under similar circumstances.
General Li, who took on the role of defense minister during a Cabinet reshuffle in March, has not been seen since delivering a speech on August 29.
While there is no clear indication that the disappearances of Qin and Li signify a shift in China’s foreign or defense policies, they have sparked speculation about the stability of President Xi Jinping’s inner circle of power.
Known for prioritizing loyalty and taking a strong stance against corruption, President Xi has been actively combating corruption both publicly and privately. Some perceive these actions as a means of eliminating political rivals and solidifying his own position amidst domestic economic challenges and escalating tensions with the United States over trade, technology, and Taiwan.
It should be noted that General Li is currently facing U.S. sanctions due to his involvement in overseeing weapon purchases from Russia, which has rendered him unable to enter the United States.
As a response to these sanctions, China has severed military contacts with the U.S., largely in protest against American arms sales to Taiwan. Additionally, China insists that Washington must lift the sanctions imposed on Li, although they refuse to acknowledge this publicly.
The recent announcement from state broadcaster CCTV confirms that both General Li and former Foreign Minister Qin have been removed from the State Council, China’s highest governing body. This all but guarantees the end of their political careers. However, it remains unclear whether they will face any legal consequences or prosecution.
Due to the opacity of China’s political and legal systems, speculations regarding corruption, personal grievances, or disagreements with other influential figures continue to circulate, potentially contributing to the downfall of high-ranking officials.
