Former Chinese Defense Ministers Sentenced to Death for Corruption

Two ex-defense ministers from China have been handed down a death sentence, albeit with a two-year suspension, marking one of the toughest penalties for high-ranking military figures in recent times.

As reported by state media, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were judged guilty by a military court on May 7. This verdict underscores President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption drive within the military.

The state news agency Xinhua revealed that Wei was convicted of accepting bribes, while Li faced charges for both receiving and offering bribes.

Additionally, both individuals have lost all political rights for life and are required to surrender their personal assets.

In line with Chinese law, a death sentence with a two-year suspension typically converts to a life sentence if the individual does not commit any further offenses during that period. In this scenario, their sentences will lead to life in prison without parole or any chance for reduction once the probation period is over.

Wei Fenghe, aged 72, held the position of China’s defense minister from 2018 to 2023, whereas Li Shangfu, 68, briefly took over the role. Both men served as State Councilors and were part of the Central Military Commission, the highest military leadership body overseen by Xi.

Previously, they led the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, a major division established during Xi’s extensive military reforms back in 2015. This force manages China’s nuclear arsenal and conventional missile systems, making it vital to the country’s defense strategy.

The harsh ruling reflects the intensification of Xi’s efforts to eliminate corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which he has targeted since taking office in 2012.

The crackdown has escalated this year, particularly focusing on elite units like the Rocket Force, which is now under scrutiny.

Both Wei and Li were expelled from the ruling Communist Party in June 2024. According to James Cha, a security expert based in Singapore, this is the most severe punishment meted out to a Central Military Commission member in recent memory. The severity of their crimes is underscored by the fact that their sentences are commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think tank in London, has cautioned that ongoing purges could destabilize the military’s command structure, potentially disrupting the rapidly modernizing forces in China.