China expels former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe amid corruption allegations

In a significant development within China’s military leadership, the Communist Party of China has expelled former defense ministers Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe for severe disciplinary violations, often a euphemism for corruption. This was officially confirmed by the state news agency, Xinhua. The expulsion of these high-ranking officials marks a continued effort in the sweeping anti-corruption purge that has been underway within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Li Shangfu was found to have engaged in corruption involving “huge sums of money” in both accepting and offering bribes. Moreover, investigations revealed that he failed to fulfill his political responsibilities, seeking personal gains at the expense of the national defense’s integrity. According to Xinhua, Li’s actions “betrayed the trust of the Party Central Committee and Central Military Commission,” causing significant damage to both the party’s cause and national defense.

Similarly, Wei Fenghe, who vanished from public view since being replaced during a planned cabinet reshuffle last March, was implicated in accepting a substantial amount of money and other valuables in bribes, as well as facilitating improper benefits in personnel arrangements. The severity of his actions was highlighted by Xinhua as having a “highly detrimental impact and tremendous harm.”

These decisions came after thorough investigations and were approved by the Communist Party’s Politburo, the apex of power within the Party. Both cases have now been transferred to military prosecutors, with formal removals from the Central Committee expected to be announced during the Party’s Third Plenum scheduled for July 15-18.

This crackdown aligns with President Xi Jinping’s recent statements emphasizing the PLA’s “deep-seated” political issues and his commitment to ensuring there is “no hiding place” for corrupt officers. The removal of both Li and Wei from their influential positions reflects a broader initiative to ensure transparency and accountability within China’s military and governmental ranks.

The expulsion of these two former defense ministers underscores the Chinese leadership’s resolve to address corruption aggressively. Such measures are vital for maintaining the integrity of the armed forces and the party, especially considering the PLA’s crucial role in both national defense and international relations. This move also indicates a significant shift towards reinforcing discipline and ethical governance within China’s ranks.