Suspicion and speculation continue to surround the unexplained absence of Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu, as reports suggest that he may be under investigation or even placed under house arrest. Li, 65, has missed several meetings with defence leaders from Vietnam and Singapore in recent weeks, raising concerns about his whereabouts and the reasons behind his absence. The US government believes that Li is under investigation, while the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal report that he has been taken away for questioning and removed from his post. However, the reasons for the investigation have not been disclosed.
The absence of Li follows the replacement of China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, in July, after a prolonged period out of public view. There have also been recent leadership shake-ups in the People’s Liberation Army’s elite Rocket Force. These moves have raised questions about transparency in China’s leadership at a time when its economy is slowing and its relations with the United States have soured.
US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, has been vocal about Li’s absence, questioning whether he has been placed under house arrest. The US State Department has not provided any further comment on the matter. China’s defence ministry has not responded to requests for comment, and the country’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that she was not aware of any relevant information regarding Li’s investigation.
Li’s absence is of particular interest to the US, as he is still under sanctions imposed in 2018 for purchasing weapons from Russia’s largest arms exporter. Chinese officials have been urging the US to lift these sanctions to improve military discussions between the two countries. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin attempted to engage in talks with Li during a defence conference in Singapore earlier this year, but was only able to exchange a handshake.
The situation surrounding Li’s absence raises concerns not only for China’s relations with the US, but also for its international relations more broadly. Other countries may question who to contact for military dialogues with China, highlighting a lack of transparency in China’s leadership. Military observers and diplomats are closely watching whether China will proceed with hosting the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, an annual international security summit typically led by the defence minister, as scheduled in late October.
The reasons for Li’s investigation and absence remain unknown, but they have sparked widespread speculation and concern about China’s leadership and transparency. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely to have implications for China’s relations with other countries and its military engagements on the global stage.
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Original Story at www.reuters.com – 2023-09-15 07:55:00
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