China removes defence minister Shangfu, ousts former foreign minister from cabinet
File photos of Li Shangfu (left) and Qin Gang (right).
The Chinese government on Tuesday (Oct 24) removed Li Shangfu from his position as defence minister and state councillor, state broadcaster CCTV reported. As per CCTV, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councillor. The broadcaster did not name a replacement for Li, neitherdid it mention the reason for his removal.
Meanwhile, the committee also removed Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang and Finance Minister Liu Kun were also removed from their posts, to be replaced by the current ministry of science and technology party secretary Yin Hejun and finance ministry party secretary Lan Fo'an respectively.
Li Shangfu has not been seen in public for months. He had been under investigation over procurement of military equipment.
Qin Gang, on the other hand, was abruptly removed from office without any explanation in July.
In September, the government announced that former navy commander Wang Houbin would take over as the new head of the Chinese military's Rocket Force.
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