China announces the removal of defense minister missing for almost 2 months with little explanation

TAIPEI. Taiwan (AP) — Chinese state media are reporting that the country has replaced Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu. He has been out of public view for almost two months with little explanation. Li is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year. Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from office in July with no explanation offered. Li, who became defense minister in March, hasn’t been seen since giving a speech on Aug. 29, 2023. There is no indication that the disappearances of Qin and Li signal a change in China’s foreign or defense policies, although they have raised questions about the resilience of president and ruling Communist Party leader Xi Jinping’s circle of power.