Defense Minister Li Shangfu under investigation and Mystery of Defense Minister’s Disappearance!

China’s Foreign Ministry has been evading questions about the whereabouts of the country’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu. Speculation has been mounting that Li, who was appointed defense minister in March, may have been placed under investigation.

His absence from public view for over two weeks has fueled rumors, especially following unexplained personnel changes within China’s ruling Communist Party.

Reports from the Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, suggest that Li is under investigation, though the reason remains undisclosed. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, when asked about Li’s situation during a press briefing, responded, “I’m not aware of the situation.”

This situation follows the unexplained disappearance of Qin Gang, the former Chinese Foreign Minister, who was removed from his position in late July after a month-long absence from public view. Interestingly, Qin still holds the position of state councillor, a high-ranking role in China’s cabinet, which Li also occupies.

Despite Li’s absence, both government and military websites in China still list him as the defense minister, state councillor, and a member of the party’s influential Central Military Commission (CMC).

This situation comes amid other recent shake-ups in the Chinese military, including the abrupt replacement of two leaders of the Rocket Force, an elite military branch overseeing nuclear and ballistic missiles. The former commander had not been seen in public for several months.

The consecutive disappearances of high-profile ministers raise questions about the transparency of China’s political system under President Xi Jinping, who has centralized power and enforced strict party discipline.

Experts note that the lack of explanation for these high-profile departures may erode global confidence in China and underscore the opacity of decision-making within the country.

Before his promotion to defense minister, Li headed the CMC’s Equipment Development Department, responsible for weapon procurement from 2017 to 2022. In 2018, the United States sanctioned Li over China’s purchase of Russian weapons during his tenure.

Li was last seen in public on August 29 when he delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing. His last international trip was in mid-August when he visited Russia and Belarus.

While a two-week absence from public view isn’t unusual for China’s defense minister, the timing, combined with Qin’s disappearance, has intensified speculation.

Last week, Li canceled a scheduled annual meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders along the two countries’ border, citing a “health condition.” This move came just days before the event, leading to its postponement.

FAQs related to Defense Minister Li Shangfu under investigation and his Disappearance!

Why is there speculation about China’s Defense Minister’s whereabouts?

Speculation arises due to the unexplained absence of Li Shangfu, China’s Defense Minister, from public view for over two weeks.

What reports suggest that Li Shangfu is under investigation?

The Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, have reported that Li may be under investigation, although the reason remains undisclosed.

What is the significance of Qin Gang’s disappearance?

Qin Gang, the former Chinese Foreign Minister, disappeared from public view for a month before being removed from his position in July, adding to the mystery surrounding high-profile departures.

Why is the transparency of China’s political system being questioned?

The unexplained departures of high-ranking officials, including defense and foreign ministers, without public explanation raise questions about the transparency of China’s political system under President Xi Jinping.

What was Li Shangfu’s role before becoming Defense Minister?

Before his appointment as Defense Minister, Li headed the CMC’s Equipment Development Department, responsible for weapon procurement from 2017 to 2022.

When was Li Shangfu last seen in public, and where did he visit before his disappearance?

Li Shangfu was last seen in public on August 29 when he delivered a keynote speech in Beijing. His last international trip was to Russia and Belarus in mid-August.

Why was a meeting between Li Shangfu and Vietnamese defense leaders postponed?

Li Shangfu’s meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders was postponed after Beijing cited a “health condition” just days before the event.

What are the implications of these high-profile disappearances on China’s image globally?

These unexplained departures may erode global confidence in China and highlight the opacity of decision-making within the country, according to experts.

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