Former Chinese Defense Ministers Sentenced for Corruption
Two ex-defense ministers from China have received death sentences that have been suspended for two years, marking one of the stiffest penalties imposed on senior military figures in recent times.
Reports indicate that Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced on May 7 after being found guilty by a military court, as noted by state media.
This ruling emphasizes the seriousness of President Xi Jinping’s longstanding anti-corruption initiative within the military ranks.
As per the state news agency Xinhua, court documents revealed that Wei was convicted of bribery, while Li faced charges for both taking and giving bribes.
Additionally, both were stripped of political rights for life and ordered to surrender all personal assets.
In China, a death sentence that is suspended for two years typically turns into life imprisonment if the individual doesn’t commit additional crimes during that time. If that happens, there’s no chance for parole after the probation period is over.
Wei Fenghe, aged 72, was the defense minister from 2018 to 2023, and Li Shangfu, who is 68, held the position for only a brief time as his successor.
Both men had roles as State Councilors and were part of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest military authority chaired by Xi Jinping.
They previously led the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, a significant division created in 2015 amid Xi’s extensive military reforms.
This Rocket Force manages China’s nuclear weaponry and conventional missile systems, highlighting its critical role in national defense.
The ruling reflects an intensified effort from Xi to eradicate corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), focusing on high-ranking officials since his rise to power in 2012.
The crackdown has gained momentum in 2023, with the Rocket Force and other elite units under scrutiny.
Both Wei and Li were ousted from the ruling Communist Party in June 2024.
James Cha, a security expert based in Singapore, remarked to Reuters that this sentence represents the most severe penalty against a Central Military Commission member in recent memory.
He noted, “The severity of Wei and Li’s sentences underscores the seriousness of their offenses.”
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London think tank, has expressed concerns that this ongoing purge could undermine the military’s command structure. They cautioned that it might disrupt operations and impact the readiness of China’s swiftly modernizing military.
