China replaces its defense minister months after its foreign minister was removed from office

Published October 24, 2023 4:38 AM

By CHRISTOPHER BODEEN
Associated Press

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. The announcement of Li’s removal was made Tuesday without further information being given. Li is the second senior Chinese official to disappear this year. Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang was removed from office in July with no explanation offered. Li became defense minister in March. But he hasn’t been seen since giving a speech on Aug. 29. There is no indication that the disappearances of Qin and Li signal a change in China’s foreign or defense policies.

Article Topic Follows: AP-National

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