Unveiling the Mystery: The Elusive China's Defense Minister Stirs Speculation
China remains tight-lipped over the whereabouts of Defense Minister Li Shangfu, raising concerns about his status as he has not been seen in public for a month
Sign up for CNN's Meanwhile in China newsletter that delves into the country's rise and its global impact.
China has chosen not to address the whereabouts of its defense minister amid continuing speculation about his status, as it has been a month since he was last spotted in public.
Gen. Li Shangfu's absence from late August onwards has sparked speculation about his future. However, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian stated during a routine press briefing on Thursday that he had no knowledge of the situation regarding the minister's possible investigation.
The disappearance of Li comes after a string of unexplained personnel changes within the higher echelons of China's ruling Communist Party this summer. This includes the removal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July.
Days later, Beijing made the decision to replace two generals who were in charge of the Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force, the division responsible for overseeing China's stockpile of nuclear and ballistic missiles. CNN inquired about the effects of Li's absence and the replacement of the two generals on operations. Wu pointed to previous remarks he made to journalists last month, reinforcing his commitment to thoroughly investigate all cases and take strong action against any corrupt officials, as reported by Reuters.
The consecutive disappearance of two prominent ministers has prompted concerns regarding the leadership of Xi Jinping, who has further obscured China's political system while consolidating power and imposing stringent party discipline.
In the past, senior Chinese officials have occasionally vanished from public sight, only to be disclosed months later by the Communist Party's disciplinary body after being detained for investigations. These abrupt disappearances have become a regular occurrence in Xi's anti-corruption campaign, and the lack of information is a typical characteristic within China's political system.
Where is Li Shangfu?
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that Li was taken away in September by authorities for questioning, citing a person close to decision making in Beijing.
The defense minister is currently under investigation, according to American officials cited by The Financial Times. However, neither report provided any explanation for the investigation. When questioned by reporters earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that he had no information to share on the matter, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the Chinese government to address this issue.
Li, who was sanctioned by the US in 2018 for China's purchase of Russian weapons, continues to hold positions as China's defense minister, one of its five state councilors, and a member of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC).
In late July, the CMC's Equipment Development Department issued a notice asking the public to report any corrupt procurement practices dating back to 2017, which aligns with the period when Li was responsible for procurement in the department.
It is unclear whether any disciplinary actions have been or will be taken against Li.
Qin, the previous foreign minister, who disappeared from public sight for a month before being dismissed from his ministerial role, has also maintained the position of state councilor, a significant position in the Chinese cabinet, as stated on the website of the State Council.
Li and Qin were not captured in the visuals of a Communist Party study session, which was attended by senior party officials and presented on state broadcaster CCTV on Wednesday. The remaining three state councilors, however, were prominently featured. According to insiders, a recent Communist Party investigation revealed that Qin had been involved in an extramarital affair during his tenure as China's envoy to Washington, as reported by the Wall Street Journal last week.
Qin was reported to have engaged in an illicit relationship with a prominent Chinese TV personality. Additionally, it was revealed that the TV presenter had a child through surrogacy in the United States. The Financial Times reported this on Tuesday.
No official explanation has been given by Beijing regarding Qin's removal, and it has not been confirmed whether the former minister is currently under investigation. Despite CNN's attempts to inquire about this issue, China's State Council Information Office has not provided any response.
CNNs Nectar Gan contributed to this report.
