After Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu has not appeared for months, the People’s Republic has appointed a successor. The position will now be held by the current navy commander, Dong Jun, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday, citing a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.
His predecessor Li was surprisingly dismissed from his position as defense minister in October. Li also lost his position in the Chinese State Council at that time. The general has not appeared in public since August 29. Several Western media outlets had speculated about the reasons for his disappearance.
Citing US government sources, there was talk of an ongoing investigation against Li. The party has tightened its crackdown on the military since the summer and replaced senior military officials on suspicion of corruption. However, no official information has yet been released regarding Li’s disappearance.
Senior civil servants are increasingly disappearing
In late July, Beijing also ousted Foreign Minister Qin Gang and reinstated his predecessor Wang Yi. Qin had also not been seen in public for weeks and was represented at international events. The reasons for his removal remain unclear.
In China, high-ranking officials continue to disappear from public view. Later it often becomes known that, for example, the party’s disciplinary committee is investigating them. Dong Jun was most recently commander of the navy of the Chinese armed forces, the so-called People’s Liberation Army.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
