A significant military restructuring is currently unfolding in China, and this development became evident through the notable absence of key military leaders at a dinner reception commemorating the establishment of modern China last week. This absence has prompted speculation within Beijing’s political circles regarding President Xi Jinping’s intentions.
One of the most conspicuous absentees was Li Shangfu, aged 65, the State Councilor and Minister of National Defense, who had not made any public appearances for several weeks. The public was made aware of his downfall during the televised celebration held on the evening of September 28 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The event was intended to mark the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, coinciding with the National Day holidays and the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for families to gather and celebrate beneath the radiance of the full moon. However, the atmosphere among Beijing’s political elite was far from celebratory.
Li Shangfu, known for his oversight of China’s Chang’e moon exploration project, which bears the name of the Chinese moon goddess, was conspicuously absent. This absence, especially on the eve of the Moon Festival, underscores the increasing severity of China’s political landscape.
Li also holds a crucial position as one of the seven members of the Central Military Commission, an organization chaired by President Xi Jinping himself.
“The issue at hand is that Li Shangfu was a figure recommended by one of Xi’s allies, a second-generation ‘red,’ who was specifically retained by Xi to assume control of the military,” explained a source. The source referred to the ally as Zhang Youxia, aged 73, one of the two Vice Chairmen of the Central Military Commission.
