In a sequence of enigmatic developments at the highest echelons of Chinese leadership, the sudden absence of China’s Defence Minister, Li Shangfu, has raised concerns about the stability of President Xi Jinping’s regime. This latest episode of uncertainty, compounded by internal security measures superseding international diplomacy, may erode the confidence that other nations place in the leadership of the world’s second-largest economy, according to diplomats and analysts.
Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who was last observed in late August, has not attended crucial meetings, including engagements with foreign counterparts. Recent reports suggest that he is under investigation as part of a corruption inquiry into military procurement, further deepening the intrigue surrounding his disappearance.
The situation is reminiscent of the abrupt and unexplained disappearance of Foreign Minister Qin Gang in July, coinciding with a sudden reshuffling of the elite Rocket Force, responsible for overseeing China’s nuclear arsenal.
Moreover, President Xi Jinping’s absence from the Group of 20 summit in India this month, which marked the first time he missed such a global gathering during his ten-year tenure, has added to the growing uncertainty.
The increasing unpredictability in Chinese leadership decisions is prompting calls for a more in-depth evaluation of President Xi’s rule. Observers emphasize that this goes beyond assessing whether China is a cooperative partner or a competitor; it encompasses economic, political, and military risks associated with dealing with China.
Due to a lack of transparency surrounding these developments, multiple interpretations are plausible, intensifying the brewing crisis of confidence in China. This opacity raises questions about the true nature of Xi’s rule and the motives behind these internal disruptions.
China’s Foreign Ministry has not yet responded to requests for comments on the situation. The State Council and Defence Ministry have also remained silent.
Notably, Defence Minister Li Shangfu, since his appointment in March, has played a prominent role in China’s military diplomacy, expressing concerns about U.S. military activities during a high-profile security conference and visiting Russia and Belarus. His sudden absence could impact international security meetings scheduled in Beijing in October and Jakarta in November.
Amidst these developments, as China’s People’s Liberation Army engages more extensively with Southeast Asian forces, these rapid changes at home raise questions about policy continuity and the potential risks associated with military deployments near Taiwan and in disputed regions of the East and South China Seas.
The disappearance of Defence Minister Li Shangfu and other high-ranking officials underscores the challenges and uncertainties surrounding President Xi Jinping’s leadership, creating ripple effects that extend beyond China’s borders.
(by Reuters)
