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By Anezka Pichrtova
Live News Reporter
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China has expelled two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, from the ruling Communist Party amid allegations of corruption, which could result in life imprisonment, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday.
The Defense Ministry announced Thursday that Li abused his authority for personal enrichment through bribery, while his predecessor, Wei, faced similar charges.
President Xi Jinping, who also heads the armed forces as chairman of the Central Military Commission, has made combating corruption a central tenet of his administration. This latest action underscores his ongoing efforts to clean up the military leadership. Li's investigation for corruption and bribery follows his removal from office in October 2023 after a two-month disappearance.
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"He sought improper benefits in personnel arrangements for himself and others, took advantage of his posts to seek benefits for others, and accepted a huge amount of money and valuables in return," reported Xinhua News Agency.
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The ministry's statement provided limited details about the allegations against Li, only noting that his crimes posed "an enormous danger." Li, a specialist in missile and procurement branches, was under U.S. travel and financial sanctions related to the purchase of Russian military hardware at the time of his disappearance last September. His sudden absence coincided with the disappearance of then-Foreign Minister Qin Gang and several top rocket corps officers amid unproven misconduct allegations.
Admiral Dong Jun replaced Li in December. Despite China's vast military, including the world's largest standing army, its biggest navy, and a rapidly growing nuclear arsenal, the military has not engaged in warfare for over fifty years. The structure remains highly politicized, with Xi at the helm of the Central Military Commission and the defense minister holding a more limited role with minimal foreign contact.
Wei, who was placed under investigation in September, was accused of serious violations of political and organizational discipline.
"The investigation also found clues about Wei's other violations. Wei lost his faith and loyalty. His actions failed the trust of the Party Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, and severely contaminated the political environment of the military, bringing enormous damage to the Party's cause. Wei's violations are extremely serious in nature," said the report.
Both Li and Wei will be prosecuted under the People's Liberation Army's justice system. Their cases reflect an apparent broader purge targeting officers suspected of disloyalty to Xi or collusion with external forces. High-ranking military officers hold significant sway in Chinese politics and enjoy extensive privileges.
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