The Communist Party of China (CPC) recently announced the expulsion of two former defense ministers, highlighting the ongoing anti-corruption drive spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. According to a report by the government news agency Xinhua, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe were expelled for “serious violations of Party’s discipline and the law.”
Li Shangfu was earlier removed from his role as defense minister and state councilor on October 24, 2023, by the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC). The Central Military Commission’s disciplinary and supervisory agency launched an investigation into Li on August 31, 2023. The probe revealed that Li had gained “improper benefits in personnel arrangement and took advantage of his posts to seek benefits for others.” He is also accused of bribery and will have his case prosecuted by the relevant military authorities. For further details, please refer to the NPC’s announcement.
Wei Fenghe, a former member of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was removed from his delegate position at the 20th CPC National Congress in September 2023. Wei is accused of accepting bribes and violating discipline by accepting money and gifts in exchange for helping others gain improper benefits in personnel arrangements. His actions were condemned by the CPC, which highlighted his lack of “loyalty and faith.” Wei’s criminal case will also be prosecuted by military authorities. More information can be found in the official statement.
This move is part of Xi Jinping’s broader anti-corruption campaign, which has intensified in recent years. Notably, earlier in 2023, Sun Zhigang, former Party Secretary of the Guizhou Provincial Committee, and Liu Liange, former chairman of the Bank of China, were also arrested on bribery charges. According to data from Yahoo Finance, a record-high 42 officials were detained on corruption charges in 2023 amid mounting economic pressures.