China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu Removed From Post Following Two-Month Absence

The Chinese government has ousted Gen. Li Shangfu, the defense minister and state councilor, without immediately naming a successor.

The official announcement of his removal came from China’s legislative body, the National People’s Congress. No reason was provided for his dismissal, reported CNBC.

Li, 65, has been absent from the public eye for two months and was reportedly under investigation over alleged corruption related to military equipment procurement, according to Reuters.

See Also: CNN Analyst Tells Trump’s Niece Republicans Are Playing Into ‘Hands of Hamas, Iran And Russia’ — Calls GOP ‘Cannibalistic Piranhas’

Li’s removal follows the dismissal of Qin Gang, another high-profile minister from President Xi Jinping’s administration, who was stripped of his authority as state councilor in July.

The dismissals of Li and Qin do not necessarily signify a shift in Xi’s foreign policy. However, Li’s successor could potentially pave the way for improved diplomatic relations with the United States. Li had been under sanctions imposed by the Trump administration in 2018 in relation to China’s acquisition of Russian combat aircraft and equipment.

China’s military sector, which plans to increase defense spending by 7.2% this year according to the latest national budget, is under close international scrutiny due to escalating tensions with Taiwan.

Read Next: Donald Trump Vows To Unveil ‘Massive Information And 100% Evidence’ Related To Stolen Election Claims: ‘We Will Never Let 2020 Happen Again’

Image via Shutterstock