China has handed suspended death sentences to two former defence ministers as President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign continues targeting senior military officials.
Former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced by a military court after being found guilty of bribery and corruption-related offences. Authorities also ordered the confiscation of all their personal assets.
China Corruption Crackdown Targets Military Leaders
According to Chinese state media, both men received death sentences with a two-year reprieve. Under China’s legal system, such punishments are typically commuted to life imprisonment after two years without the possibility of parole or sentence reduction.
The latest rulings mark another major development in the ongoing China corruption crackdown that has affected several high-ranking military figures in recent years.
Wei Fenghe served as China’s defence minister from 2018 until 2023 before being replaced by Li Shangfu in March 2023.
China Corruption Crackdown Intensifies Under Xi
Li Shangfu’s time in office lasted only a few months before he was abruptly removed in October 2023 after disappearing from public view, triggering widespread speculation about an internal investigation.
Reports from Chinese authorities alleged that Li accepted large bribes and helped others secure improper benefits. Investigators also accused him of failing to fulfil political responsibilities.
Wei Fenghe faced similar accusations linked to accepting large sums of money and valuable gifts while assisting others in personnel arrangements and promotions.
The cases form part of a broader anti-corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping since he took power more than a decade ago.
Military Purge Raises Political Questions
The crackdown has led to the removal of several senior military leaders, including top generals within the People’s Liberation Army.
Earlier this year, President Xi publicly acknowledged the campaign’s impact on the military, saying the armed forces had undergone “revolutionary tempering” through anti-corruption efforts.
Political analysts say the campaign reflects both Xi’s efforts to strengthen discipline within the military and consolidate political control over China’s armed forces.
Critics, however, have argued that some anti-corruption investigations may also serve as tools to sideline political rivals and reinforce loyalty within the ruling Communist Party.
China Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Military Stability
The removal of multiple senior defence officials in a short period has fueled international attention on stability and internal dynamics within China’s military leadership.
Analysts say the developments could influence defence policy, military modernization efforts, and Beijing’s broader geopolitical strategy in Asia and beyond.
The latest convictions also underscore the scale of corruption concerns that Chinese authorities continue confronting within key state institutions.
