China Ousts Defense Minister Li Shangfu After Two-Month Absence

Gen. Li Shangfu, appointed in March, was suddenly dismissed from office after an unexplained two-month disappearance from public life, raising questions about the stability of Chinese leadership and sparking speculation about a potential corruption investigation related to weapons procurement.

General Li Shangfu, China's Defense Minister, has been dismissed after an unexplained two-month absence from public life. He was appointed in March but last seen in public in late August.
Li's removal follows the sacking of Qin Gang, the foreign minister, in July. Both cases raised questions about stability in China’s senior leadership and President Xi Jinping’s rule.
There have been rumors and reports that Li may be under investigation over corruption related to the procurement of military equipment, although this has not been confirmed by Chinese authorities.
Li was already under US sanctions over a case linked to his overseeing of weapons purchases from Russia. This has strained the defense relationship between the US and China.
The sudden removals of both Li and Qin highlight the opaque nature of President Xi Jinping's rule and his reinforcement of party discipline among China's elite.
Beijing is yet to announce a replacement for Li. The lack of immediate successor signals potential issues in the decision-making process within Xi Jinping's administration.