China's Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, has been fired and removed from his positions as a member of the powerful Central Military Commission and as one of China's five state councillors. The decision was approved by the standing committee of the National People's Congress, but no successor was named. This move comes two months after Li disappeared from public view, sparking intense speculation about his fate. Li's dismissal follows the recent unexplained removal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang from his positions as a state councillor. These sudden changes in high-level positions raise questions about the governance of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the transparency of China's political system.
Li's mysterious disappearance in late August came shortly after Xi held a meeting with top military officials, emphasizing loyalty, discipline, and the party's absolute leadership over the armed forces. Days later, the top two generals of the PLA Rocket Force, responsible for China's nuclear and ballistic missiles, were sacked, leading to concerns of a broader purge in the military. The Chinese government has remained silent about Li's whereabouts and the reasons behind his absence.
Speculations about the reason for Li's removal have arisen. The Wall Street Journal reported that he was taken away for questioning by authorities in September, according to a source familiar with Beijing's decision-making. The Financial Times reported that the US government believes Li is under investigation, although no reason for the investigation was disclosed. The Chinese Defense Ministry had previously stated that it was not aware of Li being under investigation.
Li Shangfu, 65, had a long career in the military, rising through the ranks and serving as director of one of China's main satellite-launch sites. He was considered a protege of General Zhang Youxia, Xi's childhood friend and close ally in the military. Li held prominent positions, including heading the CMC's Equipment Development Department, which oversees weapon procurement. Interestingly, days before the two top generals of the Rocket Force were removed, the Equipment Development Department launched a crackdown on corrupt procurement practices. This development coincided with Li's time at the helm of the department.
The ousting of Li Shangfu potentially removes a roadblock for the resumption of high-level military talks between China and the United States. Li had been sanctioned by the US in 2018 due to China's purchase of Russian weapons. Beijing has linked the possibility of a meeting with Li to the lifting of those sanctions.
These sudden dismissals of high-profile ministers and officials in quick succession reflect the increased opacity of China's political system under Xi Jinping's consolidation of power. As tensions with the West rise, Xi has launched a campaign to strengthen national security, eliminating perceived threats and vulnerabilities to the ruling Communist Party. The recent developments raise questions about Xi's governance and the underlying dynamics within the Chinese leadership.