China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu is rumored to be under investigation, as he has been absent from public view for over two weeks. Speculations about his whereabouts and fate have increased following unexplained personnel changes within China’s ruling Communist Party. The Financial Times reported that the US government believes Li is under investigation, but the reason for it remains unknown. When asked about Li’s situation, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said they were not aware of it.
This incident comes after the sudden disappearance of Qin Gang, who was removed as China’s foreign minister in July after going missing for a month. Qin still retains his position as state councillor, a senior role in China’s cabinet that Li also holds.
Li’s absence has raised concerns about the governance of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has increased the opacity of China’s political system. The lack of transparency in decision-making has led to a crisis of confidence in China, especially regarding the removal of high-profile ministers without any explanation or consideration for global perception.
Before becoming defense minister, Li was in charge of weapon procurement from 2017 as head of the Central Military Commission’s Equipment Development Department. In 2018, he was sanctioned by the United States for China’s purchase of Russian weapons.
Li was last seen in public on August 29 when he delivered a speech at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing. He last traveled outside China in mid-August to Russia and Belarus.
While it is not uncommon for the defense minister to have less frequent public engagements, the timing of Li’s disappearance following Qin’s dismissal has sparked speculation. Li also pulled out of an annual meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders, citing a “health condition.”
This series of high-profile disappearances and dismissals raises questions about the transparency and decision-making process in China. The international community awaits updates on Li’s situation and the reasons behind his investigation.