China’s Former Defense Ministers Expelled for Corruption
Hong Kong CNN —
China has recently confirmed that its two former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were under investigation for corruption. This revelation has highlighted deep-seated deception within Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s military modernization strategy, casting doubts on the country’s combat readiness amid escalating global tensions.
Despite their initial strong stance on military matters, both Li and Wei were expelled from the ruling Communist Party and are now facing charges brought by military prosecutors. This development is part of a larger effort to purge corrupt officials from the Chinese defense establishment, which has already seen over a dozen senior leaders removed.
Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, which aimed to strengthen the armed forces, has faced challenges in preventing corruption at the highest levels of the military. This scandal underscores the ongoing issues within the PLA’s procurement system, raising concerns about the quality and reliability of China’s military equipment.
While Xi’s continued efforts to clean up the military are commendable, the recent expulsions of high-ranking officials indicate that challenges persist in the quest for a modernized and reliable Chinese military by 2035.