China's Defense Minister Fired Amid Ongoing Military Corruption Purge

China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu has disappeared and been removed from his position amid an anti-corruption purge.
Several other high-ranking Chinese military officials have also recently been fired and put under investigation.
Fighting corruption in the military has been a priority for President Xi Jinping, but misconduct still seems to be occurring at high levels.
Li is the latest in a string of top military firings, including heads of the Rocket Force in July.
The reason for Li's firing is unclear, as the Chinese government does not publicly explain these personnel changes, leading to speculation.

vox.com

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Topics

Posted 9/16/2023, 7:29:35 PM

China's Defense Minister Fired Amid Ongoing Military Corruption Purge

China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu has disappeared and been removed from his position amid an anti-corruption purge.
Several other high-ranking Chinese military officials have also recently been fired and put under investigation.
Fighting corruption in the military has been a priority for President Xi Jinping, but misconduct still seems to be occurring at high levels.
Li is the latest in a string of top military firings, including heads of the Rocket Force in July.
The reason for Li's firing is unclear, as the Chinese government does not publicly explain these personnel changes, leading to speculation.

vox.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/11/2023

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

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

9/16/2023

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

10/12/2023

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