Punjab Newsline | Beijing
A Chinese military court has sentenced two former defence ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, to death with a two-year reprieve in separate corruption cases. According to reports citing China’s state news agency Xinhua, both leaders were found guilty of accepting bribes, while Li Shangfu was also convicted of giving bribes.
Under China’s legal system, a suspended death sentence is often commuted to life imprisonment if the convict does not commit further crimes during the two-year period.
Xi Jinping’s Anti-Corruption Drive Intensifies
The verdicts are being viewed as the latest development in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign targeting senior military and political officials. The campaign, launched more than a decade ago, has led to the removal of several high-ranking officers and military leaders from key positions.
In January, China’s top military leadership also witnessed a major shake-up. Reports suggest that the once-powerful Central Military Commission, which earlier had 11 members, has now been significantly reduced, with Xi Jinping remaining the dominant figure.
Analysts believe the anti-corruption campaign has not only targeted financial misconduct but has also helped strengthen political loyalty and control within China’s ruling establishment. However, there has been no official indication that either Li Shangfu or Wei Fenghe had political differences with Xi Jinping.
Career of Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu
Wei Fenghe served as China’s defence minister from 2018 to 2023. He was succeeded by Li Shangfu, who disappeared from public view only a few months after taking office and was formally removed from his post in October 2023.
Li spent much of his military career working in the missile and procurement divisions of China’s People’s Liberation Army. The United States had earlier imposed travel and financial sanctions on him over the purchase of Russian military equipment.
Li Shangfu was later replaced by Dong Jun, who continues to serve as defence minister. However, experts note that Dong Jun has not been appointed to the influential Central Military Commission, the body responsible for overseeing China’s military affairs.
