Chinese Defense Minister Under Investigation Amid Xi's Military Corruption Crackdown

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu is under investigation in a broad corruption probe over military equipment procurement. He disappeared from public view last month.
Li rose to prominence under President Xi Jinping's pursuit of military might. But Xi has also cracked down on corruption in the military.
As defence minister, Li pushed for restoring military communications with the U.S. that China had frozen after Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit.
Li previously led China's strategic support force for space and cyber warfare capabilities. He also headed military procurement.
It's unclear what impact Li's absence will have on China's military diplomacy amid ongoing regional tensions.

reuters.com

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Topics

Posted 9/16/2023, 10:09:00 AM

Chinese Defense Minister Under Investigation Amid Xi's Military Corruption Crackdown

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu is under investigation in a broad corruption probe over military equipment procurement. He disappeared from public view last month.
Li rose to prominence under President Xi Jinping's pursuit of military might. But Xi has also cracked down on corruption in the military.
As defence minister, Li pushed for restoring military communications with the U.S. that China had frozen after Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit.
Li previously led China's strategic support force for space and cyber warfare capabilities. He also headed military procurement.
It's unclear what impact Li's absence will have on China's military diplomacy amid ongoing regional tensions.

reuters.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/9/2023

Biden 'Disappointed' By Xi's Absence From G20 Summit, Says China Should Explain Skipping Key Talks

President Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 summit in New Delhi has left only China to explain the reason, according to a US official, casting doubt on China's commitment to the success of the bloc.

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

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

9/18/2023

China's Top Officials Mysteriously Vanishing Under Xi Highlights Party's Secrecy

10/12/2023

General Liu Zhenli Poised to Become China's New Defense Minister, Offering Opportunity to Improve Military Ties with U.S.