China Continues Shaking Up Leadership With Ousting of Missing Defense Minister

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Former defense minister Li has not been seen in public since August 29, just months after taking office in March.

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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.

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While western media has speculated that Li was under investigation for corruption, no explanation has been given for his removal.