CPC expels former Chinese Defence Minister over corruption charges

New Delhi, June 27: The Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership announced on Thursday the expulsion of former Defence Minister Li Shangfu from the Party due to serious violations of Party discipline and the law, as reported by the Global Times, an official mouthpiece of China.

Li, who previously served as a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and a state councillor, has also been stripped of his qualification as a delegate to the 20th CPC National Congress, following a decision by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. The investigation into Li was initiated by the CMC’s disciplinary and supervisory agency on August 31, 2023.

According to CNN, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that Li Shangfu, along with his predecessor, has been expelled from the Communist Party over corruption allegations, marking a significant move in the ongoing purge within the top ranks of the military.

Li was abruptly removed from his position in October last year after disappearing from public view for two months, amidst broader shakeups within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The announcement confirms that graft allegations were behind Li’s dismissal, as well as the expulsion of his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, over similar charges. Both were influential figures within the CMC, a crucial body overseeing China’s armed forces under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.

The disciplinary investigation found that Li had committed serious political and organisational discipline violations, including resisting investigation, seeking personal and other benefits through improper means, and engaging in bribery. These actions were deemed to have severely tainted the political and ethical environment within the military equipment sector, causing significant harm to the Party’s mission, national defense development, and the reputation of senior leadership.

Previously, the CMC had already expelled Li from military service and revoked his general rank as part of the disciplinary actions taken against him.