China has sentenced two former defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, to suspended death penalties after convicting them in major corruption cases linked to the military.
According to Chinese state media, a military court announced the verdict on Thursday. The court found both officials guilty of accepting bribes and abusing their positions for personal gain.
Under Chinese law, a suspended death sentence usually changes to life imprisonment after two years if the convicted person commits no further crimes. Reports also confirmed that neither man will receive parole or sentence reductions.
Authorities confiscated all personal assets belonging to both former ministers.
Li Shangfu Removed After Sudden Disappearance
Li Shangfu served as China’s defence minister from March 2023 until October 2023. His removal drew global attention after he disappeared from public view for weeks before officials officially dismissed him.
Investigators accused Li of taking massive bribes and offering favors in exchange for benefits. Reports also claimed he failed to fulfill his political responsibilities while using his position to support personal interests.
His sudden disappearance fueled speculation about internal political tensions and corruption inside China’s military leadership.
Wei Fenghe Also Found Guilty of Bribery
Wei Fenghe held the defence minister position from 2018 to 2023 before Li replaced him.
Investigators said Wei accepted large amounts of money and valuable gifts in exchange for helping others secure promotions and advantages within the military system.
Officials described the case as part of a wider anti corruption campaign targeting senior military leaders and government officials.
China Expands Military Anti Corruption Campaign
The sentencing follows a broader crackdown led by Chinese President Xi Jinping. In recent years, several high ranking military officials have lost their positions during corruption investigations.
The campaign also affected top military figure Zhang Youxia, whose removal became one of the biggest developments inside China’s armed forces.
Earlier this year, President Xi publicly addressed the military investigation campaign. He stated that the armed forces had experienced “revolutionary tempering” through the fight against corruption.
Critics Raise Questions About Political Motives
President Xi Jinping has launched multiple anti corruption drives since taking power. Chinese officials say the campaign aims to clean up corruption and strengthen discipline inside the Communist Party and military.
However, critics believe the investigations sometimes help remove political rivals and strengthen Xi’s control over the country’s leadership structure.
The latest punishments against Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu mark another major step in China’s continuing efforts to reshape its military leadership and tighten political control.
