Chinese Government Replaces Defense Minister Li Shangfu, Raising Questions About Stability and Leadership

China has replaced its Defense Minister, General Li Shangfu, who has been out of public view for almost two months, according to state media reports on Tuesday, October 24th. This is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following the removal of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July.

General Li Shangfu had served as China’s Defense Minister since June of 2023, when he gave a speech at the 20th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s annual defense and security forum, in Singapore.

The Chinese government has not offered any explanation for the removal of General Li or former Foreign Minister Qin Gang. The two officials were both considered to be close allies of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The removal of General Li and Foreign Minister Qin Gang has raised questions about the stability of the Chinese government and the future of President Xi Jinping’s leadership. It is unclear who will replace General Li as Defense Minister and what impact this will have on China’s foreign policy.

The Chinese government has yet to comment on the removal of General Li and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, and it is unclear what the future holds for the two officials.