China has officially confirmed that two former defense ministers who disappeared from public view last year were under investigation for corruption. This revelation has raised concerns about the country's combat readiness amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The former defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party and face charges from military prosecutors.
Their removal is part of a broader purge within China's defense establishment, which has seen the dismissal of several senior generals and executives. This shakeup comes as Chinese leader Xi Jinping aims to strengthen the country's armed forces and assert its territorial claims.
Both Li and Wei, who were known for their tough rhetoric on regional security issues, have been implicated in corrupt practices related to military equipment procurement. The allegations suggest collusion between state-owned enterprises and the military procurement system, raising doubts about the quality and reliability of China's weaponry.
Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has targeted high-ranking officials in the military, including Xu Caihou and Guo Boxiong. The recent scandal involving Li and Wei underscores the challenges of preventing graft at the highest levels of the military.
Despite these setbacks, Xi remains committed to rooting out corruption and disloyalty within the military. His efforts to reform the PLA and improve its combat capabilities are seen as crucial for China's modernization goals.
Observers believe that Xi's ongoing cleanup of the military and procurement system will ultimately benefit China's military strength. By addressing systemic issues and promoting accountability, Xi aims to realize his vision of a modernized PLA by 2035.
