China Communist Party expels two former defense ministers from party for alleged bribery News
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China Communist Party expels two former defense ministers from party for alleged bribery

The Communist Party of China (CPC) expelled two of its former defense ministers had been expelled from the party Thursday, citing the reasoning of “serious violation[s] of Party’s discipline and the law,” according to government news agency Xinhua. The ministers in question are Li Shangfu and Wei Fengh. 

Li Shangfu was first removed from the posts of defense minister and state councilor at the sixth session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on October 24, 2023. At the time, no explanation was provided for his removal. Launching an investigation on August 31, 2023, the Central Military Commission’s disciplinary and supervisory agency now confirmed that Li gained “improper benefits in personnel arrangement and took advantage of his posts to seek benefits for others.” He is also accused of bribery, having “offered money to others to seek undue benefits.” Li is set to have his case sent to and prosecuted by the relevant military authorities. 

Wei Fenghe, a former CMC member, was first removed from the “delegate” position at the 20th CPC National Congress. An investigation was launched against him on  September 21, 2023. Akin to Li, Wei is also accused of accepting bribes, with it noted that he “violated discipline regarding integrity, accepting money and gifts” for the purposes of “helping others gain improper benefits in personnel arrangements.” The CCP condemned his actions, speaking of his lack of “loyalty and faith” and denoting his crimes as “extremely serious.” He is set to have his “suspected criminal case” sent to be prosecuted by the military prosecution bodies. 

In recent years, Chinese President Xi Jingping’s domestic corruption crackdown has escalated at a rapid pace. Earlier this year, authorities arrested former CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee secretary Sun Zhigang over allege bribe-taking. In October of 2023, former Bank of Chine chair Liu Liange was also arrested following an investigation. Facing internal pressure due to prolonged economic slowdown, Jingping’s party apparatus arrested a record-high 42 officials for corruption charges in 2023, per data provided by Yahoo Finance.

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