China’s Communist Party has expelled former foreign and defence ministers Qin Gang and Li Shangfu from its Central Committee. The decision, announced during the party’s latest meeting, underscores an ongoing anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping.
Expulsions and Resignations
The removal of Qin Gang and Li Shangfu from the Central Committee, along with former PLA Rocket Force commander Li Yuchao, marks a significant step in the party’s crackdown on corruption. Li Shangfu and Li Yuchao were expelled for “serious violations of discipline and law,” a term often associated with corruption. Qin Gang, who resigned from the body, remains a party member.
Anti-Corruption Campaign
President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, initiated in 2012, has intensified in recent years. The campaign has targeted high-ranking officials, including two former defence ministers and nine top generals. In the first half of this year, 36 officials at the vice-ministerial level and above were investigated by the party’s top graft watchdog.
Details of the Meeting third plenum, a significant event held roughly every five years, concluded on Thursday. The 205-member body maps out China’s long-term social and economic policies and approves removals of committee members. The meeting also confirmed the expulsion of Li Shangfu and Li Yuchao from the Communist Party.
Background On Removed Officials
Qin Gang: Qin, 58, was removed as foreign minister in July last year after seven months in the position. His removal followed rumours of an extramarital affair. He was later removed from the State Council in October and resigned from the national legislative body in February.
Li Shangfu: Li, 66, was ousted as defence minister last October and placed under investigation for graft. He was removed from the party’s highest military command body in February.
Li Yuchao: Li, 61, was replaced last July amid a shakeup in the Rocket Force leadership. He was responsible for overseeing the nation’s conventional and nuclear missile arsenal.
New Appointments And Further Expulsions
The Central Committee appointed three new full members: Ding Xiangqun, Yu Lijun, and Yu Jihong. These appointments skipped PLA Rocket Force deputy political commissar Ding Xingnong, who would have been second in line. Additionally, former Central Committee alternate member and PLA Rocket Force chief of staff Lieutenant General Sun Jinming was expelled from the party for corruption.
Ongoing Investigations
Agriculture minister Tang Renjian, 61, remains a Central Committee member despite being under investigation for corruption since May. The recent expulsions and investigations reflect the party’s determination to root out corruption at all levels.
With Inputs from Reuters
