16-9-2023 (BEIJING) China’s Defense Minister, Li Shangfu, has raised concerns after his conspicuous absence from a major military meeting held on September 15, as revealed by footage broadcast on the state-run CCTV. This unexplained absence, now entering its third week, has left many questioning the whereabouts of the general and speculating about his political future.
Even the state media outlet Xinhua’s report on the meeting omitted any mention of Li. The last time the public saw Li, aged 65, was on August 29, when he delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing.
This disappearance follows a similar mysterious absence earlier this year by Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was subsequently replaced in July by his predecessor, Wang Yi.
The meeting Li missed on September 15 was convened by the People’s Liberation Army leadership for discussions on political education. Notably, three out of the seven members of the Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s highest military decision-making body led by President Xi Jinping, were present: He Weidong, the commission’s vice-chairman; Admiral Miao Hua, responsible for political affairs; and armed rocket force General Zhang Shengmin, overseeing disciplinary matters.
Two other prominent figures who were absent from the meeting were General Liu Zhenli, the chief of staff of the joint staff department, and General Zhang Youxia, a trusted ally of President Xi and the first-ranked CMC vice chair.
During the meeting chaired by He Weidong, PLA commanders were urged to bolster their political conviction and enhance combat readiness, according to Xinhua. However, it was Li’s absence that drew the attention of China observers. Even the US ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, publicly stated that Li had not attended a meeting with Singapore’s Navy Commander this week. Requests for confirmation from Singapore authorities have gone unanswered.
US intelligence officials have hinted at Li facing political trouble, but when pressed for an assessment during a White House briefing, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan evaded the question, stating, “I don’t have anything for you today.”
Despite his absence, reports of Li and his personal information on the Ministry of National Defense website remain intact, and he is still listed among the ministry’s top leadership. Nevertheless, there are no official reports or explanations regarding his whereabouts.
Notably, in August, the PLA Rocket Force witnessed a sudden major shake-up, with its commander, Li Yuchao, and political commissar, Xu Zhongbo, both replaced without any given reasons. On the same day as Li Shangfu’s absence from the military meeting, the PLA Daily reported that the rocket force was conducting fact-finding missions to enhance its performance. Although the report made no reference to disciplinary or corruption issues, its publication has fueled speculation.
Li Shangfu ascended to the CMC as a member at the 20th Communist Party Congress in November 2022 and was appointed to the ministerial post, carrying the additional vice-premier-level title of State Councillor, in March. Prior to his promotion, Li faced US sanctions in 2018 for his role in the CMC’s equipment development department, which was linked to weapons procurement from Russia.
