'Missing' Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu For Two Months, Sacked

China in a major shake-up has removed its defence minister Li Shangfu who was 'missing' for almost two months.

Additionally, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his role as state councilor.

The removal of Li Shangfu, who had been under US sanctions, comes after weeks of speculation about his status and his unexplained absence from public view since August.

This decision is the second abrupt removal of a minister in three months, since President Xi Jinping began his unprecedented third term last October.

Qin Gang had previously been replaced as foreign minister in July without a clear explanation.

Li Shangfu, aged 65, holds multiple significant positions within China's political and military structure. Notably, he is the public face of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and serves as a member of the Central Military Commission, the governing body of the PLA.

Within this body, Li Shangfu ranks only behind its chairman, Xi Jinping, and vice-chairmen Zhang Youxia and He Weidong. However, his removal is not accompanied by the announcement of a replacement.

The timing of this leadership shake-up is noteworthy, as it occurs just before a Pentagon delegation is scheduled to arrive in Beijing for a regional security forum.

The move also coincides with China's increasing tensions with the United States, particularly due to issues like Washington's arms sales to Taiwan.

Li Shangfu has been under US sanctions, primarily related to his oversight of weapon purchases from Russia, which prohibits him from entering the United States. In response to these sanctions, China has curtailed its contacts with the US military.