China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu goes missing amid leadership shake-up
Story highlights
During a recent inspection in China's northeastern region, President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of unity and stability within the military. He called for increased efforts in combat preparedness and unity and stability within the armed forces.
China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu has been conspicuously absent from public view for more than two weeks, prompting widespread speculation regarding his whereabouts and political future in the Chinese leadership circle. This unexpected absence comes amid recent changes in China's leadership landscape and ongoing investigations into corruption cases within the military.
Prolonged absence raises questions
Li Shangfu, who last made a public appearance during his keynote speech at the 3rd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing on August 29, has not been seen in public since that event.
trending now
)
India's Arshdeep Singh reveals thought process in clinical match-winning last over vs Australia in 5th T20I
)
India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final
)
New Zealand on edge: Suspicious packages with fake baby covered in blood found outside US, Israeli embassies
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
WI skipper Shai Hope credits MS Dhoni for match-winning 109 vs England; equals Viv Richards and Virat Kohli
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
Serie A: Inter Milan send warning across league with win over Napoli
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
Italy vs Spain in Euro 2024 group stage, England handed comfort draw
)
CID star Dinesh Phadnis aka Fredericks is on ventilator support: Report
)
Cardi B makes her gorgeous runway debut at Balenciaga's pre-fall 2024 show
)
Telangana election results 2023: BRS concedes defeat, extends congratulations to Congress
)
Sameera Reddy hangs out with Catherine Zeta-Jones in Goa, shares pics from her eventful outing
)
Ranbir Kapoor's Animal is a massive hit, crosses Rs 200 crore mark worldwide
)
Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, accused of serving as an agent of Cuba: Report
Recent leadership changes in China, including the demotion of key officials, have further fueled speculation about Li Shangfu's current status. Chinese President Xi Jinping has also taken proactive steps within the Chinese military, which have led to the removal of notable figures such as Qin Gang, and commanders Li Yuchao, and Xu Zhongbo. This is also widely seen as Xi's military consolidation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
President Xi's emphasis on unity
During a recent inspection in China's northeastern region, President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of unity and stability within the military. He called for increased efforts in combat preparedness and unity and stability within the armed forces.
Watch | Morocco Earthquake: Death toll rises to over 2,122 rescue operation underway
Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan also drew attention to the prolonged absence of China's former foreign minister, Qin Gang, who has not made a public appearance since June 25.
Emanuel compared President Xi's cabinet reshuffles to Agatha Christie's novel "And Then There Were None," alluding to the disappearance of key officials.
He wrote on X, “President Xi’s cabinet lineup is now resembling Agatha Christie’s novel And Then There Were None. First, Foreign Minister Qin Gang goes missing, then the Rocket Force commanders go missing, and now Defence Minister Li Shangfu hasn’t been seen in public for two weeks. Who’s going to win this unemployment race? China’s youth or Xi’s cabinet? #MysteryInBeijingBuilding."
Corruption probe
Coinciding with Li Shangfu's disappearance, there is an ongoing corruption probe related to hardware procurement that occurred over five years ago.
Initiated in July, this investigation primarily focuses on issues such as the leakage of information about projects and army units, as well as allegations of favoritism shown to certain companies in securing bids. Notably, there have been no indications that Li Shangfu is suspected of any wrongdoing connected to this ongoing corruption probe, despite his previous role heading the equipment department from September 2017 to 2022.
)
