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

U.S. ambassador to Japan questioned if China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu is under house arrest after 3 weeks absence.

Li abruptly pulled out of meeting with Vietnamese officials last week and missed scheduled meeting with Singaporean Chief of Navy.

U.S. believes Li is under investigation but nature is unclear. Follows reshuffling of other top officials.

Li's absence problematic for China's international relations as he was key military contact.

Li under U.S. sanctions since 2018 for buying Russian weapons, which China wants lifted.