News Article: China’s Defense Minister Absent from Public View, Fuels Speculation of Investigation
China’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, has disappeared from public view for over two weeks, triggering widespread speculation about his fate amid rumors of an investigation. According to officials cited by the Financial Times, the US government believes that Li has been placed under investigation. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Li was taken away for questioning by authorities last week, although neither report provides a reason for the investigation.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, evaded questions regarding Li’s situation and claimed to be unaware of the circumstances surrounding his absence. This follows the recent unexplained disappearance of Qin Gang, the former foreign minister, who was dramatically ousted in late July.
Official Chinese government and military websites still list Li as the defense minister, state councillor, and a member of the party’s powerful Central Military Commission. However, this disappearance of two high-profile ministers calls into question the governance of leader Xi Jinping and the lack of transparency in decision making.
The timing of Li’s absence is particularly noteworthy, as it follows a surprise shake-up in the Chinese military in July, where two leaders of the Rocket Force were abruptly replaced. The sudden disappearance of these officials has raised concerns about Xi Jinping’s leadership and the opaqueness surrounding his government’s actions.
Li’s previous role was as the head of the Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department, where he faced sanctions from the US in 2018. He was last seen in public on August 29 when he delivered a keynote speech at a forum in Beijing. Li had also traveled to Russia and Belarus in mid-August, marking his last trip outside of China.
Furthermore, Li’s absence is particularly suspicious after he abruptly canceled a meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders, citing a “health condition,” as reported by Vietnamese officials. However, there is no official confirmation or media report on whether the meeting actually took place.
As rumors continue to circulate and speculation mounts, the disappearance of Li Shangfu, along with the previous disappearance and dismissal of Qin Gang, highlights concerns about the transparency and decision-making process within China’s political leadership.
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