China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu was recently fired without any official explanation, two months after he disappeared from public view. This follows the dismissal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July. The decision to remove Li from his state positions as a member of the Central Military Commission and as one of China’s five state councillors was approved by the standing committee of the National People’s Congress. The committee did not name a successor to Li.
Li’s removal has raised questions about the governance of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has made China’s political system more opaque while concentrating power and enforcing strict party discipline. It also comes against the backdrop of Xi’s campaign to bolster national security and eliminate perceived threats to the ruling Communist Party.
Interestingly, Li’s dismissal has removed a major obstacle for the resumption of high-level military talks between China and the United States. Li had been sanctioned by the US in 2018 over China’s purchase of Russian weapons, and China had insisted that the US defense secretary would not meet with Li unless the sanctions were lifted.
The reasons for Li’s disappearance and dismissal remain unclear. Reports suggest that he may have been taken away in September for questioning or placed under investigation. The Chinese government has declined to comment on Li’s whereabouts and the reasons behind his absence.
Li, 65, had a distinguished career in the military, rising through the ranks to become director of one of China’s main satellite-launch sites before working in the PLA’s headquarters on armaments. He is believed to be a protege of General Zhang Youxia, who is a close ally of Xi Jinping.
It remains to be seen if any disciplinary actions will be taken against Li. The removal of two senior ministers in quick succession indicates ongoing personnel shakeups in China’s upper ranks, which has led to speculation about the stability of Xi’s leadership and the future direction of China’s military power.
