China's Defence Minister Missing Amid Speculation of Beijing Power Struggle

China's defence minister Li Shangfu has been missing from public events since August 29th, igniting speculation.
Li's absence marks the second case of a high-ranking Chinese minister disappearing, after former foreign minister Qin Gang.
Observers note unusual political developments in Beijing during this period.
Two senior PLA Rocket Force officers appointed by Xi Jinping were also dismissed.
Li's disappearance has raised questions among China watchers about potential power struggles.

indiatimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/11/2023

Chinese Elites Keep Mysteriously Disappearing and Reappearing, Sparking Rumors of Party Crackdowns

The disappearance of China's defence minister Li Shangfu is part of a pattern of rising stars in the Communist Party of China running afoul of Beijing's powers, as seen in previous instances involving prominent personalities such as the former foreign minister Qin Gang, ex-general secretary Hu Jintao, former IT minister Xiao Yaqing, Alibaba founder Jack Ma, actor Fan Bingbing, tennis player Peng Shuai, actor Zhao Wei, and Interpol chief Meng Hongwei.

9/14/2023

Chinese Defense Minister's Abrupt Cancellation and Disappearance Raise Questions About Elite Politics

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu abruptly canceled a meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders, raising questions about his extended absence and adding to recent leadership shake-ups in China.

9/15/2023

U.S. Questions if China's Defense Minister is Under House Arrest After 3 Weeks of Missed Meetings

China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu's more than two-week absence has led the U.S. ambassador to Japan to question whether he has been placed under house arrest, adding to concerns about transparency in China's leadership.

9/15/2023

Chinese Defense Minister Facing Corruption Probe and Likely Removal Amid Leadership Shakeup

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu is likely to be removed from his position due to an investigation into corruption, which raises concerns about China's foreign policy and questions Xi Jinping's leadership as he consolidates power.

9/15/2023

Chinese Defense Minister's Unexplained Absence Fuels Speculation of Political Turmoil

China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu's unexplained absence from recent meetings has raised questions about his whereabouts and political future, amid speculation about his potential political trouble and health issues.

9/16/2023

China's Defense Minister Fired Amid Ongoing Military Corruption Purge

China's National Defense Minister Li Shangfu has been investigated for corruption and fired, part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing efforts to root out corruption in the military, potentially hindering his plans to modernize the People's Liberation Army.

9/16/2023

Xi's Anti-Graft Purges Sow Uncertainty Among China's Elite

The disappearance of China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, and other political upheavals are causing uncertainty about President Xi Jinping's rule and could impact other countries' confidence in China's leadership.

9/20/2023

Chinese Minister's Rumored Mistress Goes Silent Amid Party Probe into Affair

Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang's alleged mistress, Fu Xiaotian, has been missing since April and all mentions of her on social media have been suppressed, suggesting a cover-up by Chinese authorities.

Topics

Posted 9/11/2023, 8:48:43 AM

China's Defence Minister Missing Amid Speculation of Beijing Power Struggle

China's defence minister Li Shangfu has been missing from public events since August 29th, igniting speculation.
Li's absence marks the second case of a high-ranking Chinese minister disappearing, after former foreign minister Qin Gang.
Observers note unusual political developments in Beijing during this period.
Two senior PLA Rocket Force officers appointed by Xi Jinping were also dismissed.
Li's disappearance has raised questions among China watchers about potential power struggles.

indiatimes.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/11/2023

Chinese Elites Keep Mysteriously Disappearing and Reappearing, Sparking Rumors of Party Crackdowns

9/14/2023

Chinese Defense Minister's Abrupt Cancellation and Disappearance Raise Questions About Elite Politics

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu abruptly canceled a meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders, raising questions about his extended absence and adding to recent leadership shake-ups in China.

9/15/2023

U.S. Questions if China's Defense Minister is Under House Arrest After 3 Weeks of Missed Meetings

9/15/2023

Chinese Defense Minister Facing Corruption Probe and Likely Removal Amid Leadership Shakeup

9/15/2023

Chinese Defense Minister's Unexplained Absence Fuels Speculation of Political Turmoil

9/16/2023

China's Defense Minister Fired Amid Ongoing Military Corruption Purge

9/16/2023

Xi's Anti-Graft Purges Sow Uncertainty Among China's Elite

9/20/2023

Chinese Minister's Rumored Mistress Goes Silent Amid Party Probe into Affair