China Dismisses Defence Minister Amid Uncertainty and Speculation

China dismissed Defence Minister Li Shangfu after he disappeared for two months, with no successor announced. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved his removal along with former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed in July. Both were ousted from the State Council. Media reports suggest Li is under investigation for corruption related to equipment procurement. Li's last public appearance was on 29 August. He assumed the role in March and previously headed the military's equipment development division. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2018 over arms acquisitions. Li declined a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Speculation of a purge within the military follows dismissals of General Li Yuchao and Li's deputy.

China dismissed Defence Minister Li Shangfu after he disappeared for two months, with no successor announced. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved his removal along with former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed in July. Both were ousted from the State Council. Media reports suggest Li is under investigation for corruption related to equipment procurement. Li's last public appearance was on 29 August. He assumed the role in March and previously headed the military's equipment development division. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2018 over arms acquisitions. Li declined a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Speculation of a purge within the military follows dismissals of General Li Yuchao and Li's deputy.

China dismissed Defence Minister Li Shangfu after he disappeared for two months, with no successor announced. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress approved his removal along with former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed in July. Both were ousted from the State Council. Media reports suggest Li is under investigation for corruption related to equipment procurement. Li's last public appearance was on 29 August. He assumed the role in March and previously headed the military's equipment development division. The US imposed sanctions on him in 2018 over arms acquisitions. Li declined a meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Speculation of a purge within the military follows dismissals of General Li Yuchao and Li's deputy.

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