China Continues Shaking Up , Leadership With Ousting of , Missing Defense Minister.
On October 24, China announced the removal of
General Li Shangfu as the nation's defense minister.
NBC reports that Li becomes the latest senior
leader to be ousted after disappearing
from public view with little to no explanation.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, Li was stripped
of his title as a state councilor on October 24,
along with former foreign minister Qin Gang. .
According to state broadcaster CCTV, Li was stripped
of his title as a state councilor on October 24,
along with former foreign minister Qin Gang. .
Li's ousting comes almost two months
after his absence was noted and became
the subject of widespread speculation.
NBC reports that the news also follows recent
turmoil at the head of China's nuclear forces, with
two generals being removed after not being seen
in public for months. .
NBC reports that the news also follows recent
turmoil at the head of China's nuclear forces, with
two generals being removed after not being seen
in public for months. .
Former defense minister Li has not
been seen in public since August 29,
just months after taking office in March. .
The decision to remove Li came following
a vote by top lawmakers in China, the Standing
Committee of the National People’s Congress.
The committee reportedly also opted
to leave Li's position as defense minister vacant,
which served a mostly ceremonial role.
NBC reports that Li, an aerospace engineer and
military general, was a high-profile member of the
Chinese government prior to his disappearance. .
While western media has speculated that Li
was under investigation for corruption,
no explanation has been given for his removal.