WELLINGTON: On Tuesday, October 24, Li Shangfu was suddenly fired as China’s defense secretary after being conspicuously absent for more than two weeks. It puts an end to weeks of intense rumors about his whereabouts but brings up new concerns about the management staff of President Xi Jinping.
This is the second high-profile dismissal in three weeks; Qin Gang was abruptly removed from his position as foreign minister in July following a likewise enigmatic presence. In these assets, both people are currently China’s leaders with the shortest tenures.
NO INSURANCE IS Democratic LOYALTY.
There is no proof that General Li was fired as a result of his social loyalty. He was one of Mr. Xi’s most dependable generals and a defense” prince” whose father took part in the Long March. He advanced quickly through the ranks.
He oversaw the purchase and design of arms and led Mr. Xi’s effort to modernize the government. He oversaw many space missions and was a seasoned head of China’s ambitious space program. He took over for Wei Fenghe as position councilor and defense secretary in March.
He showed social allegiance to Mr. Xi as the military’s outward experience. General Li reportedly referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as an” extraordinary” leader who made” important contributions to promoting world peace” during his visit to Moscow in April, reiterating Mr. Xi’s commitment to the” no-limits” partnership with Russia.