Two Former Chinese Defense Ministers Sentenced to Death and Asset Confiscation on Corruption Charges
China has sentenced former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe to death on charges of corruption. Both will initially serve two years in prison, after which their sentences may be commuted to life imprisonment if no new crimes are committed during that period. Li Shangfu faces allegations of bribery and disciplinary violations, while Wei Fenghe was found guilty of accepting bribes related to decisions in the Ministry of Defense. This move is part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, which has seen dozens of high-ranking military officials removed from their posts. (April 25, Kathmandu)
Li Shangfu was abruptly dismissed from his position last year, and Wei Fenghe was also subject to military corruption investigations. Both were expelled from the Chinese Communist Party in 2024. Experts note that in recent years, many senior officials in China’s military and security sectors have been dismissed. Li Shangfu was removed from office in October 2022 due to allegations of bribery and violations of discipline.
Chinese authorities have officially acknowledged ongoing investigations into corruption involving these individuals. According to a CCTV report, the military disciplinary investigation agency found that Li had “seriously violated party discipline and the law.” He is accused of accepting large bribes, giving bribes to others, and abusing his position. Former Defense Minister Wei Fenghe has also been penalized on accusations of bribery and abuse of office.
China’s military court found them guilty of corruption. Investigation reports reveal that Wei accepted bribes in connection with decisions related to the Ministry of Defense and the military. Wei Fenghe was one of China’s senior military officers and previously commanded the Rocket Force, which manages China’s missile and nuclear weapons systems. The Rocket Force is a key component of China’s military power, as it holds the capability to launch nuclear strikes if necessary.
Investigative agencies under the Central Military Commission conducted the corruption and bribery probes. The CMC is China’s highest military body, overseeing the armed forces on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party and government, and is chaired by President Xi Jinping. Over the past year, dozens of senior officials in China’s military and aerospace sectors have been removed from their positions.
