China dismisses its defense minister and dismisses its former foreign minister
Chinese Defense Minister Li Changfu, who has not appeared in public since the end of August, has been relieved of his duties, CCTV reported on Tuesday, October 24. This announcement comes after the dismissal of the Foreign Minister last summer.
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The information has just broken out since the Chinese learned of the news through a 7pm newscast (local time) on China Central Television, our correspondent in Beijing reported. Stephane Lagarde. The broadcaster read what was reported by the New China News Agency, which confirmed two things: the former foreign minister, Chen GangHe was replaced as minister a few weeks ago by Wang Yi. He will be removed from his post on Tuesday as state counsellor. It’s the same for Li Changfu who also lost his position as State Counselor and Defense Minister, even though he had been in office since March.
This news comes after weeks of speculation about the fate of this general, who has not appeared in public since the end of last August. This is the second time since the beginning of the Chinese President’s term that a minister has suddenly been dismissed. Li Changfu, 65, was targeted by US sanctions and was the face of the People’s Liberation Army.
After weeks of speculation, China Central Television confirmed what we suspected. Li Changfu was removed from his position as Minister of Defense and State Councilor. Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang loses the title of State Counselor. pic.twitter.com/JapQ5PIxIe
– Stephane Lagarde (@StephaneLagarde) October 24, 2023
Ministerial reshuffle a few days before the military dialogue with the United States
As with Qin Gang, state media did not mention the reasons for his ouster or name his successor. The dismissal of the Minister of Defense comes after a cabinet reshuffle at the head of the Chinese army unit responsible for strategic missiles, especially nuclear ones. China also announced the departure of Minister of Science and Technology Wang Zhigang, as well as Finance Minister Liu Kun. They were replaced respectively by Yin Hejun, who until then had been CPC Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Lan Fuan.
The defense minister’s dismissal also comes just days before a Pentagon delegation visits Beijing for a high-level military dialogue between China and the United States.
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(And with France Press agency)
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