China Removes Li Shangfu as Defense Minister: State Media
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – China has removed Li Shangfu from his position as defense minister and state councilor, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday.
The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top lawmakers, also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councilor, according to CCTV.
In this reshuffle, the committee appointed Yin Hejun as China's science and technology minister and Lan Foan as finance minister.
This marks China's second leadership shake-up in three months, following the abrupt replacement of foreign minister Qin Gang in July.
Li Shangfu's absence from public appearances in recent weeks, starting with his non-attendance at a meeting in Vietnam in early September, had led to speculation about his position. Li had been appointed to his post in March and was closely watched by diplomats and observers due to his role as one of China's five State Councilors, a cabinet position that holds higher rank than a regular minister.