China has sentenced two former defense ministers to death on corruption charges. Two former defense ministers – Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu – have been given death sentences with a two-year reprieve, according to Chinese state media. According to a report by Xinhua news agency, this means that after two years his death sentence will be commuted to life imprisonment. However, following this change, there will be no further reduction in his sentence and no possibility of parole. Both were found guilty of taking bribes, and all their personal properties were confiscated.
The announcement comes amid China’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, under which several high-ranking military officers have recently been removed from their posts. Both officials worked under the leadership of Communist leader Xi Jinping, and during this time they amassed billions of rupees in ill-gotten wealth through corrupt means. Wei served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023, and Li was appointed his successor in March 2023. Lee was removed from his post in October 2023 – this incident occurred two months after his sudden disappearance from public life.
**Worked under Xi’s supervision, but found involved in corruption**
According to reports, Wei was convicted of taking bribes, while Li was found guilty of both giving and taking bribes. Wei and his successor Li – both of whom served under President Xi Jinping – were expelled from the ruling Communist Party in 2024. He was also a former member of the Central Military Commission, which is chaired by President Xi. Both Wei and Li commanded the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, a strategically important military unit. The force was established in 2015 as part of Xi’s military reforms. Li was selected by Xi himself for this high-ranking post in the defense apparatus. Wei led the Rocket Force from its inception until 2017, when he took over as defense minister. After Lee was removed from office, several other high-ranking officers of the force were also dismissed and charged with corruption.
**Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign**
Since coming to power in 2012, President Xi has led a massive anti-corruption campaign that has seen more than a million officials – including many generals – punished. In February, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the armed forces had “made revolutionary changes in the fight against corruption.” Since taking power, President Xi has launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign; However, critics argue that the campaign has also been used to remove political rivals.
