Title: “Ongoing investigation: the mystery of the disappearance of Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu”
Introduction :
In the Chinese political world, the disappearance of influential figures always raises strong questions. This time, it is the Chinese Minister of Defense, Li Shangfu, who has disappeared from circulation for more than two weeks, without the slightest official explanation. While some voices speak of corruption, others see it as a sign of internal political struggles. In this article, let’s delve into the mystery surrounding Li Shangfu’s disappearance and try to sort out what’s true.
A loyalist close to Xi Jinping:
Li Shangfu is considered a loyalist and close friend of Chinese President Xi Jinping. His unexpected disappearance quickly raised questions and sparked much speculation. His last public appearance dates back to the Sino-African forum on Peace and Security, in Beijing, at the end of August. Since then, he has not been seen in public, and no details regarding his whereabouts or health have been revealed.
Corruption or political battles?
The most frequently put forward hypotheses regarding Li Shangfu’s disappearance are divided between a corruption investigation and an internal political power struggle. According to anonymous sources cited by the Financial Times, American officials say that the minister would be the target of an investigation for corruption, which would have led to his discreet removal from his functions. This explanation could be consistent with Xi Jinping’s desire to fight corruption within the Chinese army, a priority he has set since coming to power.
However, it is important not to rule out internal political battles in this matter. Recently, other influential figures, including the foreign minister and Chinese army generals, have also disappeared without a clear explanation. These events could be a sign of internal struggles within Chinese power, where different factions are vying for control of the country.
Endemic corruption in the Chinese army:
Corruption within the Chinese military is not a new phenomenon. Since China’s economic opening in the 1980s, the military has faced chronic corruption problems, with generals and high-ranking officials taking advantage of their influence to enrich themselves. Xi Jinping has clearly declared the fight against corruption as one of his priorities, having himself witnessed these practices when he was personal secretary to an army general.
Conclusion :
The disappearance of Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu raises many questions about his fate. Corruption or political struggles, the reasons for his disappearance remain unclear. One thing is certain: the fight against corruption in the Chinese army is a priority for Xi Jinping, who does not hesitate to oust high-ranking figures to achieve his objective. Let us remain attentive to future developments to understand the real issues behind this mysterious disappearance.