On January 6, an article in Bloomberg made sensational claims about China’s nuclear force. Per U.S. intelligence, the article said that China’s recent removals of several high-ranking military figures, including People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force Commander Li Yuchao, Political Commissar Xu Zhongbo, and Defense Minister Li Shangfu, happened after the discovery of significant problems with … Read more
On December 29, China appointed a new defense minister: Admiral Dong Jun, formerly the commander of the PLA Navy. On the same day, nine senior military officials were removed from their posts in the National People’s Congress, a strong indication that they will face criminal charges. There are rumors of a major corruption case unfolding … Read more
On December 27, 2023, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) decided to revoke the political titles of three aerospace-defense executives: Wu Yansheng, Liu Shiquan, and Wang Changqing. Two days later, on December 29, nine senior military officials were removed from their posts at the National People’s Congress. Notably, five of those were past or … Read more
Advertisement China has sacked Defense Minister General Li Shangfu, who has been out of public view for almost two months, state media reported Tuesday. No further information was given, including news about Li’s replacement. Li is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year, following former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who was removed from … Read more
Flashpoints | Security | East Asia Although China’s military has made big strides in a short period of time, it faces persistent challenges such as corruption that hinder both its ability to reform and its ability to effectively fight wars. Advertisement On July 31, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced that two generals from other branches of China’s military would … Read more