Chinese Defense Minister Ousted in High-Level Political Shake-Up
Both Li and Qin were considered by many as pivotal figures in President Xi's vision to elevate China's status on the global stage.
2,296 delegates attend the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on October 16, 2022. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a surprising move, China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu has been removed from his post, just seven months after assuming the role. This announcement comes after he vanished from the public eye two months ago, sparking widespread speculation about his whereabouts.
While the specific reason for his removal remains undisclosed, U.S. officials believe it may be related to corruption charges tied to his former role overseeing military procurement.
Alongside Minister Li, former Foreign Minister Qin Gang has also been stripped of his position as state councilor. Qin’s removal from the foreign minister post in July was followed by his predecessor, Wang Yi, reassuming the role.
Strong Xi
These abrupt changes have prompted questions regarding the decision-making process of China’s powerful leader, Xi Jinping, who is perceived to have a more direct influence over the Communist Party’s personnel decisions than his predecessors.
Both Li and Qin were considered by many as pivotal figures in President Xi’s vision to elevate China’s status on the global stage. The nature of their dismissals, occurring in such quick succession, has heightened concerns about the stability and transparency of Xi’s leadership.
Experts argue that while these changes might seem dramatic, they are unlikely to influence China’s overarching military or diplomatic strategies. However, they do shed light on the challenges Xi faces in his endeavor to rid the nation’s defense apparatus of corruption. The recent events highlight an ongoing effort by the Chinese leadership to strengthen its military capabilities and establish a world-class defense force by mid-century.
Anti-corruption?
Xi’s rigorous anti-corruption drive, while often viewed as a way to consolidate his own power and eliminate political threats, has also been a response to internal and external pressures to clean up the nation’s political and defense establishments.
Despite the shake-ups, the international community awaits clarity on the fate of the removed officials and whether they will face legal consequences. The nature of China’s political system, known for its opaqueness, has left many questions unanswered, fueling speculations about the real motives behind these high-profile dismissals.
Source: CNN, Aljazeera and the Washington Post
