China’s Defense Minister Removed in Second Leadership Shake-Up
China’s defense minister, General Li Shangfu, has been removed from his position, marking the second ousting of a senior leader in just three months. This development has raised concerns about the stability of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership team. The removal of Li, who had been absent from the public eye for the past two months, was announced by state media along with the stripping of Qin Gang’s state councilor position. Qin had previously been removed as foreign minister in July.
The removal of both leaders was approved by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body. However, no explanation was provided for their dismissal. Interestingly, no replacement has been named for Li, leaving the country without a defense minister as it prepares to host foreign defense officials at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.
General Li Shangfu, 65, was last seen in public on August 29. Reports suggest that he is being investigated for suspected corruption linked to equipment procurement and development. He had only held the position of defense minister since March, coinciding with President Xi’s third term. Moreover, Li is already under U.S. sanctions due to China’s purchase of combat aircraft and equipment from Russia. His removal makes him the shortest-serving defense minister in China’s history.
Qin Gang, on the other hand, served as foreign minister for less than a year before disappearing from public view. He was replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi. No official explanation has been provided for his removal, but sources have speculated that he was involved in an extramarital affair during his time as ambassador to the United States.
The sudden removal of both Li and Qin has raised concerns among diplomats about the ongoing changes in China’s leadership. Notably, these developments come at a time when the country’s economic growth is slowing down, and its relations with the United States are facing various challenges.
Observers of Chinese politics considered Li and Qin to be handpicked by President Xi, making their premature departure from their roles particularly significant. Both individuals held prominent public-facing positions and were among China’s five state councilors, an influential post that outranks that of a regular minister.
The removal of General Li Shangfu and Qin Gang has further deepened the uncertainty surrounding China’s leadership team. As the country faces internal and external challenges, the succession of these senior leaders raises questions about the direction the Chinese government is taking and how it will affect the nation’s relations with other countries.
