File photo: Wei Fenghe (left) and Li Shangfu
China has sentenced former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death with a two-year suspended sentence on corruption charges, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.The announcement marks one of the most high-profile developments in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign within the military and political institutions.Both former ministers were found guilty of corruption, Xinhua News Agency reported.Chinese authorities have yet to release full details of the court ruling or the scale of the alleged corruption linked to the two former military leaders.
Li Shangfu was investigated and dismissed from office
Li Shangfu was investigated in 2024 and subsequently expelled from the party. The disciplinary inspection agency determined that Li “seriously violated” political and organizational disciplines, including accepting “huge amounts of money and valuables” in exchange for favors.Li was also accused of “seeking improper benefits for himself and others in personnel arrangements.” Li Keqiang, who is also a member of China’s powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), disappeared from public view for several months before being abruptly ousted as defense minister in 2023.Li Keqiang’s predecessor as defense minister, Wei Fenghe, was also fired over similar corruption charges.
Wider military purge under Xi Jinping
The verdict comes amid a wider purge within China’s People’s Liberation Army. Last year, Xi launched a sweeping crackdown on top military officials, firing nine top generals, including former Central Military Commission Vice Chairman He Weidong, for alleged violations of party discipline and corruption.
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The People’s Liberation Army Daily described the purge of officials as a “complete breakdown of faith” that damaged “the unity of the military” and the Communist Party’s authority over the military.Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign has led to several senior political and military figures disappearing from public life or facing disciplinary action in recent years, including former Foreign Minister Qin Gang.Analysts say the campaign is aimed not only at cracking down on corruption but also at strengthening Xi Jinping’s control over the military ahead of a crucial political transition.
