China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu Dismissed Amidst Speculation and Mystery
TL;DR
China has officially sacked its defence minister, Li Shangfu, without providing an explanation or announcing a replacement. Li had been under investigation for suspected corruption related to equipment procurement and development. His dismissal leaves China without a defence minister as it prepares to host foreign defence officials in Beijing. This comes after the removal of Qin Gang, China's former foreign minister, and the replacement of leaders in an elite unit managing its nuclear arsenal, sparking speculation of a purge within the Chinese military.
- Li Shangfu: Chinese defence minister sacked BBC.com
- China removes Defense Minister Li Shangfu after two-month disappearance CNN
- China removes Li Shangfu as defence minister CNA
- China Dismisses Gen. Li Shangfu, Its Defense Minister, Amid Speculation The New York Times
- China announces the removal of defense minister missing for almost 2 months with little explanation Yahoo News
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