China sacks defence minister Li Shangfu; ex-FM Qin Gang also removed as state councillor

China has removed Defence Minister Li Shangfu (left) and former foreign minister Qin Gang was also removed from his position as state councillor. _ AFP/ REUTERS

BEIJING (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): China has sacked Defence Minister Li Shangfu, reported state broadcaster CCTV, a month after multiple reports said that he had been placed under investigation. He has been absent from public view without explanation for two months.

In an announcement during the evening news broadcast on Tuesday (Oct 24), it was announced that General Li had been removed from his position as State Councillor and Defence Minister following a decision by the country’s top lawmaking body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.