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☆ Tighter control and high-tech push: Key takeaways from China’s biggest annual political event
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The event, held largely without Covid restrictions for the first time in years, is a rare chance for the world to glimpse into an increasingly opaque political system under Xi. Here are the major takeaways from the gathering:Tightening controlThe closing day of the National People’s Congress legislature on Monday was missing a key event – a press conference conducted by the Chinese premier. High-tech pushAn overarching theme of the gathering was a push to focus China’s economic model on technology innovation and transform the country into a high-tech powerhouse. That included a boost to China’s annual budget for science and technology by 10% to an unprecedented 370.8 billion yuan ($51.6 billion). Two high-ranking posts in China’s cabinet previously occupied by Li and Qin remain open.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Mao Zedong’s, Xi, Li, ”, Washington, Wang Yi, who’d, Qin Gang, Li Shangfu, Qin Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, of, National People’s, State Council, Observers, Chinese Communist Party, ”, National People’s Congress, Foreign Locations: China, Beijing, Hong Kong, United States

☆ ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Review: Trouble in Juniper City
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Claire Shaffer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The halfhearted search for Po’s replacement is cut short with the arrival of a thieving fox, Zhen (Awkwafina). As Po and Zhen set out for the Chameleon’s palace in faraway Juniper City, Po’s two guardians — his biological father, Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) and adopted father, Mr. Ping (James Hong) — follow him in comical pursuit. Witty gags abound (there’s a standout “bull in the china shop” sequence), and Black and Awkwafina make a charming lead duo, particularly when Po encounters the sights, sounds and bountiful food of Juniper City. Still, don’t expect a total downgrade: This is an enjoyable “Kung Fu Panda” movie, even if it’s missing some of the pizazz of the earlier ones. Kung Fu Panda 4Rated PG.

Persons: Viola Davis, Zhen, Li Shan, Bryan Cranston, Ping, James Hong, Po, Po’s, Angelina Jolie’s Tigress, Jackie Chan’s Monkey, Kung Fu Locations: Juniper City

☆ China says military spending growth in 2024 to stay the same as last year at 7.2%
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Clement Tan | In Clemtan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

This year's military budget announcement comes against the backdrop of several generals from the People's Liberation Army, including the country's previous Defense Minister Li Shangfu, losing their positions amid President Xi Jinping's broad anti-corruption probe in the past year. China's 2024 military budget expansion follows a 7.2% increase last year, a 7.1% spike in 2022, 6.8% increase in 2021, 6.6% climb in 2020 and 7.5% growth in 2019, according to official data. China's official military budget is second only to the United States in the world, though some unofficial estimates suggest the scale of Beijing's military spending may be larger than officially claimed. China maintains its claims over self-governed Taiwan and President Xi Jinping regards reunification as a "historical inevitability." Beijing has also taken offence at joint exercises and patrols that U.S. and other Western naval powers have conducted with various Asian nations in international waters that Beijing claims as its own.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Xi, Xi Jinping, — Organizations: Reuters, People's Liberation Army Locations: China, Beijing, United States, Taiwan, The Hague, South China, India, South

☆ ‘Two sessions’: China’s key political gathering gets underway as leaders try to repair broken economic confidence
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Xi is under the spotlight as economic pain has sparked growing frustration within China. Xi has also overseen a political shakeup in his own ranks, further marring the start of the new term. Those challenges may not pose a threat to Xi, who is China’s most powerful and authoritative leader in decades. But the two sessions provide an important platform for China’s notoriously opaque government to broadcast its strategy for economic, social and foreign policies and announce key indicators including China’s economic growth target, its budget deficit limit and military spending for the coming year. Analysts widely expect Li to reveal a relatively ambitious growth target of “around 5%,” showing that policymakers are still focused on economic growth, even as challenges pile up.

Persons: —, Xi Jinping, Xi, ”, Chen Gang, Li Qiang, It’s, Xuezhi Guo, Guo, Wang Yi, Qin Gang, Li Shangfu, Li, Qin, Pedro Pardo, Neil Thomas, Premier Li, Asia Society’s Thomas, “ Organizations: Beijing CNN —, Communist, National University of Singapore’s East Asian Institute, Getty, of, National People’s, Guilford College, Observers, Washington, Asia Society, Center for Locations: China, Beijing, Chongqing, AFP, Taiwan, China's, Henan, Center for China, Asia

☆ Xi Jinping's high-rank purges show a 'systemic rot' in China's military that could threaten its readiness for war: senior US official
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

China's latest military purge shows that it's suffering from more than just graft, a senior US official said. It's likely the PLA's corruption had a material effect on its war capabilities, said Ely Ratner. But, according to Ratner, Xi's latest military purge indicated a more serious problem. Xi's anti-corruption sweep last year extended as high as China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, who was replaced in October. Several top commanders were also fired from China's Rocket Force, a branch that Xi has emphasized as key to Beijing's strength.

Persons: It's, Ely Ratner, Ratner, —, Ryan Evans, Xi Jinping, ", Xi's, Li Shangfu, Xi, hotpot Organizations: Service, Pacific Security Affairs, People's Liberation Army, Communist Party, China's, Force, Bloomberg, PLA, Radio Free, Defense, China Task Force, International Institute for Strategic Studies Locations: Beijing, China, Switzerland

☆ New China Defence Minister Holds Video Talks With Russia's Shoigu
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Jan. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's new defence minister Dong Jun held a video call with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, according to a defence ministry statement, in his first public engagement since being appointed last month. Former Navy chief Dong's appointment came after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, disappeared from public view in August, throwing China's military diplomacy in doubt. The role of China's defence minister is to be the public face of the People's Liberation Army in its engagement with the media and with other armed forces. China and Russia's close military ties have been the target of Western scrutiny, especially after Russia's 2022 invasion of its neighbour Ukraine, which China has refused to condemn. Western countries, including the United States, have repeatedly warned China not to provide lethal aid to Russia's battlefield efforts.

Persons: Dong Jun, Sergei Shoigu, Li Shangfu, Dong, Shoigu, Laurie Chen, Christopher Cushing, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Former Navy, People's Liberation Army, United States, U.S Locations: BEIJING, Russian, China, Ukraine, United States, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, South China, Beijing

☆ The 'crown jewel' of the Chinese military appears to have a serious corruption problem, but the US can't afford to bet on its missiles all being defective
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Recent reports point to corruption and readiness problems in the Chinese military, the rocket force in particular. In the aftermath of the report, an ex-PLA official told Radio Free Asia problems like this have long been rampant in the Chinese military. The rocket force shakeups suggest that there are questions over who can be trusted. Xinhua/Cha Chunming via Getty ImagesConcerns about corruption and readiness stand in contrast with the modernization and strengthening of the Chinese military. Is the PLA, particularly the rocket force, the increasingly formidable force the Pentagon described in a military power report last October?

Persons: It's, —, Tom Shugart, Xi Jinping, that's, hotpot, hadn't, bigwig, Xi, Liu Dawei, Shugart, weren't, Lintao Zhang, Li Shangfu, Li Gang, ISW, there's, Andy Wong Organizations: Service, People's Liberation Army, US, Center, New, New American Security, Liberation Army, Getty Images, Bloomberg, PLA, Rocket Force, Radio Free, 14th China International Aviation, Aerospace Exhibition, Getty, Liberation Army Rocket, Business, United, Naval, Army, Air Force, Communist, of, Defense, Chinese Communist Party, Liberation Army's Army Infantry College, Li, Pentagon, U.S . Nimitz, US Army Locations: New American, Taiwan, Hefei, Anhui province, Radio Free Asia, Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, Xinhua, United States, Beijing, China, PLA, Gutian, Jiangxi Province, U.S, Tiananmen, Pamir, Kashgar, China's Xinjiang, Pacific

☆ Henry Kissinger was so revered in China that Xi Jinping personally called him an 'old friend' while snubbing Biden officials
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Henry Kissinger was so well-loved in China that Xi Jinping called him an "old friend" in July. China re-affirmed Xi's exact words in response to Kissinger's death on Wednesday. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But it was Kissinger who was warmly received by China's Xi Jinping and his right-hand men in diplomacy, while top-level US officials came and went without a face-to-face meeting with the paramount leader. "The Chinese people never forget their old friends, and Sino-US relations will always be linked with the name of Henry Kissinger," Xi said.

Persons: Henry Kissinger, Xi Jinping, —, Biden, Kissinger, China's Xi Jinping, Xi, Antony Blinken, Janet Yellen, Gina Raimondo, John Kerry, Washington bristled, China's, Li Shangfu, Li, Lloyd Austin, John Kirby, Richard Nixon, Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai Organizations: Service, State Department, of, National Security Locations: China, Beijing, Washington, United, Communist China

“China and the United States’ relations will forever be linked to the name ‘Kissinger,’” Mr. Xi said to Mr. Kissinger as the two men sat side by side in cream-colored armchairs. It was the same building where half a century earlier Mr. Kissinger had met Zhou Enlai, who was then China’s premier: Villa No. When Mr. Xi was on the cusp of power in 2012, he met Mr. Kissinger twice — once in Beijing and then in Washington. In a sign of the high regard in which he was held, Mr. Xi respectfully cited Mr. Kissinger’s views in speeches. “It is understandable that he cared about the interests of the United States,” Professor Lu said.

Persons: ”, Henry A . Kissinger, Mr, Kissinger, Nixon’s, Xie Feng, Biden, Xi Jinping, “, ‘ Kissinger, ’, Xi, Zhou Enlai, Li Shangfu, John F, Kirby, Kissinger “, Wu Xinbo, —, President Trump, Wu, Trump, Kissinger’s, Charles T, Munger, Lu Yeh, Lu Organizations: Global Times, Communist Party, Beijing, United, Mr, U.S . National Security Council, Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, National Chengchi University Locations: China, United States, Washington, Communist, Beijing, U.S, ” China, “ China, Diaoyutai, Shanghai, Philippines, Australia, Weibo, Taiwan, Taipei, “

☆ Henry Kissinger Dies at 100: Latest News and Updates
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Michael D. Shear | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

For many in China, Henry A. Kissinger represented a now-bygone chapter in relations between China and the United States, when the countries seemed to be moving inexorably closer. In July, China laid out a red-carpet welcome for Mr. Kissinger, including an audience with Xi Jinping, the top leader. “China and the United States’ relations will forever be linked to the name ‘Kissinger,’” Mr. Xi said to Mr. Kissinger as the two men sat side by side in cream-colored armchairs. When Mr. Xi was on the cusp of power in 2012, he met Mr. Kissinger twice — once in Beijing and then in Washington. In a sign of the high regard in which he was held, Mr. Xi respectfully cited Mr. Kissinger’s views in speeches.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Henry A . Kissinger, ”, Mr, Kissinger, Nixon’s, Xie Feng, Biden, “, ‘ Kissinger, ’, Xi, Zhou Enlai, Li Shangfu, John F, Kirby, Kissinger “, Wu Xinbo, —, President Trump, Wu, Trump, Kissinger’s, Charles T, Munger, Lu Yeh, Lu Organizations: of, People, Global Times, Communist Party, Beijing, United, Mr, U.S . National Security Council, Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, National Chengchi University Locations: Beijing, State, China, United States, Washington, Communist, U.S, ” China, “ China, Diaoyutai, Shanghai, Philippines, Australia, Weibo, Taiwan, Taipei, “

Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty ImagesBEIJING — U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to resume high-level military communication, according to both countries. China's Defense Ministry declined a call with its U.S. counterpart in early February after the discovery of an alleged Chinese spy balloon over U.S. airspace. The balloon incident delayed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's highly anticipated trip to China by more than four months. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will meet with his Chinese counterpart when the Chinese defense chief is selected, a senior Biden administration official told reporters after the Biden-Xi summit. A readout published by Chinese state media added the resumption of such military talks was "on the basis of equality and respect," according to a CNBC translation.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Brendan Smialowski, Biden, Antony Blinken's, Blinken, Li Shangfu, Defense Lloyd Austin, presser, China's, I'm, that's, Xi Organizations: Economic Cooperation, Afp, Getty, American, China's Defense, U.S, Defense, Biden, CNBC, Trade Locations: San Francisco, Asia, BEIJING, U.S, China, Taiwan, South, Philippines, Singapore, Pacific, Hawaii, Indonesia, Beijing

☆ As Biden and Xi gear up for a high-stakes meeting, experts have low expectations
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Megan Lebowitz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Senior U.S. administration officials detailed a handful of agenda items during a briefing with reporters. "We're not talking about a long list of outcomes or deliverables," a senior administration official told reporters. Even in recent days, Chinese officials were hesitant to confirm that Xi would attend the meeting with Biden. Biden and Xi's meeting also comes in the lead-up to Taiwan's 2024 presidential election in January, followed by the U.S. election. "We've been clear publicly and privately that interference in the Taiwan election is something we're extremely concerned about," a senior administration official said.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Xi, Colleen Cottle, Jude Blanchette, They've, Thomas Fingar, Fingar, Biden, Wang Wenbin, Karine Jean, Pierre, Jean, Oriana Skylar Mastro, Ely Ratner, Ratner, We've, we've, Li Shangfu, Li, David Sacks, Sacks, Xi's Organizations: Global China, Atlantic Council, Senior, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Stanford University, National Intelligence Council, White, U.S ., American Enterprise Institute, NBC News, Defense, Biden, China, Council, Foreign Relations, U.S, Washington Locations: Nusa Dua, Indonesian, Bali, U.S, China, Taiwan Strait, South China, San Francisco, People's Republic of China, Taiwan

TOKYO, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The U.S. military's top general expressed optimism on Friday for a potential improvement in military-to-military ties with China and sent an introductory letter to his Chinese counterpart saying he was open to meeting. Air Force General Charles Q. But China's General Liu Zhenli is the Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the military body responsible for China's combat operations and planning. Brown said he sent a standard introductory letter that explained, "I'm in the position and willing to open a line of communication." "I also believe that taking Taiwan by force and doing a major amphibious operation is not an easy feat."

Persons: Charles Q, Brown, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Xi, Liu Zhenli, William Burns, People's, Liu, General Li Shangfu, Li, Nancy Pelosi, Phil Stewart, Gerry Doyle, Jon Boyle Organizations: Air Force, Joint Chiefs, Staff, Pentagon, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, Beijing, U.S, CIA, U.S . Air Force, People's Liberation Army, PLA, People's Liberation Army Air, Reuters, Russia, ., CMC, Thomson Locations: TOKYO, China, Taiwan, Japan, U.S, Beijing, Tokyo, TAIWAN Washington, South China, Asia, Pacific, Seoul, Taipei

☆ Top Biden administration officials head to Asia to show China remains a top priority amid Israel-Hamas war
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Haley Britzky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —The Biden administration’s senior-most national security officials are traveling this week to the Indo-Pacific, signaling that the administration’s China strategy remains a priority as it grapples with an increasingly volatile Middle East. Blinken and Austin will both travel to India for a 2+2 Dialogue with their counterparts. Meanwhile, talks between US and Chinese officials stalled until this summer when Blinken met with senior Chinese officials in Beijing. Asked by CNN on Monday if Austin would be meeting with any PRC officials during his travel, Pentagon spokesman Brig. The senior officials’ travel also comes as the White House is preparing for a meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month in San Francisco.

Persons: Washington CNN —, Biden, Antony Blinken, Defense Lloyd Austin, CQ Brown, Brown, Austin, Blinken, —, Nancy Pelosi’s, Ely Ratner, John Aquilino, “, ”, Li Shangfu, Pat Ryder, Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink, ” Kritenbrink, Blinken —, Israel —, ’, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, “ It’s, Karine Jean, Pierre said, Jennifer Hansler Organizations: Washington CNN, Biden administration’s, Defense, Joint Chiefs, Staff, West Bank, Security, Relations, US Air Force, US, East, Military, Pacific Command, ASEAN Defense, China’s, CNN, Pentagon, East Asian, Pacific Affairs, State Department, Hamas, Israel Locations: China, East, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Japan, Taiwan, Chinese, South China, Beijing, Pacific, Iranian, Iraq, Syria, Gaza, San Francisco

☆ Exclusive: Chinese jet fired flares close to submarine-hunting helicopter in South China Sea, Canadian Navy says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

The first incident was over international waters outside of 34 miles from the Paracel Island chain in the northern part of the South China Sea. The warship was operating in international waters 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of the Paracels at the time. The Canadian helicopter was searching for a previously detected submarine when the incidents occurred, officers aboard the Ottawa said. The Paracels, called the Xisha Islands by China, are in the northern part of the South China Sea, east of Da Nang, Vietnam, and south of China’s Hainan Island. On Tuesday, a PLA fighter jet came within 10 feet of a US Air Force B-52 bomber flying over the South China Sea, the US military said.

Persons: ”, Rob Millen, Millen, Andrew Vaughan, “, It’s, Noble, Rafael Peralta, Hoon, Li Shangfu, ” Li, Li, Iain Huddleston, Huddleston, Ely Ratner, ” Ratner Organizations: HMCS, HMCS Ottawa CNN, Canadian, Royal Canadian Navy, Sikorsky Cyclone, People’s Liberation Army Navy, CNN, Sikorsky CH, Cyclone, The Canadian Press, New, US Navy, PLA, Navy, U.S . Air Force, ., US Air Force, 1st Air Division, Radio Canada, Canada’s Defense Ministry, Ministry, US, East, South China Locations: HMCS Ottawa, South, Ottawa, Canada, South China, HMCS Montreal, Halifax, China, Da Nang, Vietnam, China’s Hainan, The Hague, United States, New Zealand, Taiwan Strait, Taiwan, Canadian, Montreal, Singapore, “, U.S, Chinese, East

☆ U.S. and China Are Smoothing Ties—but Military Frictions Still Chafe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Chun Han Wong | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Li Shangfu hasn’t made a public appearance since late August and U.S. officials say the Chinese Defense Minister is being ousted from his post. Li is the latest of several senior Chinese officials to disappear without explanation. Photo: How Hwee Young/ShutterstockSINGAPORE—Tensions between the U.S. and Chinese militaries continue to simmer even as their leaders prepare for a likely summit in the coming weeks, a sign of the difficulties the two global powers face in managing one of the most sensitive aspects of their relationship. The discord occupied center stage this week at a security conference in Beijing, where a top Chinese general took veiled swipes at Washington’s foreign policy and military posture, characterizing them as grave threats to peace and stability around the world as wars rage in Ukraine and Gaza.

Persons: Li Shangfu hasn’t, Li, Hwee Organizations: Chinese Defense, U.S Locations: SINGAPORE, Beijing, Ukraine, Gaza

☆ China and Russia take aim at US at Chinese military forum
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Yew Lun Tian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

BEIJING, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Chinese and Russian military chiefs targeted the United States for criticism at a security forum in Beijing on Monday, even as China's second-most-senior military commander vowed to boost defence ties with Washington. Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu warned the West that its involvement in the Ukraine war created grave danger. China's defence minister delivered the keynote speech in previous years. China and the U.S. have had no high-level military-to-military communications since the Washington-sanctioned former Chinese defence minister, Li Shangfu, was appointed in March. It is not yet known whether the U.S. team will meet separately with Chinese military officials.

Persons: Sergei Shoigu, Shoigu, Zhang Youxia, Xi Jinping, Zhang, Li Shangfu, Li, Cynthia Xanthi, Joe Biden, Wang Yi, Biden, Yew Lun Tian, Lidia Kelly, Laurie Chen, Greg Torode, Gerry Doyle, Tom Hogue Organizations: Washington, Beijing Xiangshan, Russia's, TASS, China's, Military Commission, Communist, U.S, Reuters, Defense, U.S ., Thomson Locations: BEIJING, United States, Beijing, Ukraine, Russia, China, Taiwan, South China, Washington, U.S, Cynthia Xanthi Carras, Singapore, Laos, Mongolia, Belarus, East Timor, Myanmar, Sydney

Noticeably missing from the line-up was China’s own defense minister. China would continue to “deepen strategic coordination” with Russia’s military, and it was willing, Zhang added, to develop China-US military relations. Security coordination between China and Russia has tightened in recent years amid rising tensions between each with the US and its allies. The security forum also comes as the US and China are attempting to navigate their contentious relationship that includes frictions over Taiwan and Beijing’s aggression in the South China Sea. Its officials have declined American outreach for high level meetings, in what was widely seen as a protest against sanctions Washington placed on former defense minister Li in 2018, prior to his time as defense minister, for weapons purchases from Russia.

Persons: Sergei Shoigu, Li Shangfu, Xi Jinping, –, Zhang Youxia, ” Zhang, Xi’s, ”, Zhang, Russia’s Shoigu, Shoigu, ” Shoigu, Vladimir Putin, Xi, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Li, Wu Qian, ” Wu Organizations: CNN, Russian, Communist Party, Central Military, Global Security, Beijing, Washington, US, Xanthi, Defense Locations: China, Beijing, Moscow, United States, US, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Washington, South, Taiwan, Palestine, Asia, Pacific, South China, Xanthi Carras

☆ China kickstarts Xiangshan Forum in absence of defence minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-29 | by ( Yew Lun Tian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BEIJING, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China's biggest annual show of military diplomacy, started on Sunday although the Asian power is still missing a defence minister, who typically hosts this event. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is listed in the forum's agenda as the first guest speaker at Monday's opening ceremony. This year's forum takes place at an awkward time for China when it is without a defence minister, whose main role is to engage with foreign militaries. On Tuesday, Beijing sacked its defence minister Li Shangfu but did not name a replacement. Chinese military leaders more senior than the defence minister have filled in for Li.

Persons: Xi, Sergei Shoigu, Li Shangfu, Li, Zhang Youxia, Weidong, Zhao Yufei, Wendin Smith, Yew Lun Tian, Laurie Chen, Philip Blenkinsop Organizations: Beijing Xiangshan, Russian, Xanthi, China, Defense, Reuters, Xinhua, NATO, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Beijing, China, United States, Russia, Ukraine, U.S, Xanthi Carras, Li, State, Laos, Mongolia, Vietnam, Singapore, France, Brussels

☆ China Kickstarts Xiangshan Forum in Absence of Defence Minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Yew Lun TianBEIJING (Reuters) - Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China's biggest annual show of military diplomacy, started on Sunday although the Asian power is still missing a defence minister, who typically hosts this event. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is listed in the forum's agenda as the first guest speaker at Monday's opening ceremony. This year's forum takes place at an awkward time for China when it is without a defence minister, whose main role is to engage with foreign militaries. On Tuesday, Beijing sacked its defence minister Li Shangfu but did not name a replacement. Chinese military leaders more senior than the defence minister have filled in for Li.

Persons: Lun Tian, Xi, Sergei Shoigu, Li Shangfu, Li, Zhang Youxia, Weidong, Zhao Yufei, Wendin Smith, Yew Lun Tian, Laurie Chen, Philip Blenkinsop Organizations: Beijing Xiangshan, Russian, Xanthi, China, Defense, Reuters, Xinhua, NATO Locations: Lun Tian BEIJING, Beijing, China, United States, Russia, Ukraine, U.S, Xanthi Carras, Li, State, Laos, Mongolia, Vietnam, Singapore, France, Brussels

☆ China Strips Missing Defense Minister of Government Posts
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Chun Han Wong | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Li Shangfu hasn’t made a public appearance since late August and U.S. officials say the Chinese Defense Minister is being ousted from his post. Li is the latest of several senior Chinese officials to disappear without explanation. Photo: How Hwee Young/ShutterstockSINGAPORE—China removed its defense minister just seven months after he took the job, the second time in three months that Chinese leader Xi Jinping abruptly axed a minister he had handpicked for his third-term government. Gen. Li Shangfu’s removal came eight weeks after his last public appearance, an absence that has fueled speculation about his fate and prompted Western officials to raise concerns about China’s increasingly opaque governance under Xi and the ruling Communist Party.

Persons: Li Shangfu hasn’t, Li, Hwee, Xi Jinping, Li Shangfu’s, Xi Organizations: Chinese Defense, Western, Communist Party Locations: SINGAPORE, China

☆ China sacked its defense minister with no explanation months after he mysteriously disappeared
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

China has dismissed defense minister General Li Shangfu from office. Li hasn't been seen in public in two months and is the second Chinese minister to be ousted this year with no explanation. AdvertisementAdvertisementChina has dismissed its defense minister from office after his bizarre disappearance from public view two months ago. Since being appointed defense minister in March, Li's most notable appearance came just four months ago at a forum in Singapore. Li's departure as the defense minister follows the dismissal of foreign minister Qin Gang from office in July, again with no explanation.

Persons: General Li Shangfu, Li hasn't, Xi, —, shakeups, Li Shangfu, He'd, Li's, Qin Gang, Xi Jinping, Li Organizations: China's Rocket Force, Service, China, New York Times, Chinese Foreign Ministry, People's Liberation Army Rocket Force, People's Liberation Army, Communist Party Locations: China, Singapore, Beijing

☆ China Dismisses Defense Minister Amid Swirl of Speculation
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Chris Buckley | More About Chris Buckley | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Just four months ago, China’s defense minister, Gen. Li Shangfu, was at a forum for regional officials in Singapore, serving as the face of his country’s bold vision for reshaping Asia’s balance of power. China’s announcement on Tuesday ended some uncertainty about General Li’s professional fate but leaves open questions about whether he is being investigated for any offenses. Officials in the United States had earlier said that Chinese authorities had placed him under investigation for corruption. General Li is the second Chinese minister to be purged this year without explanation and under a cloud of suspicion; the foreign minister, Qin Gang, was dismissed in July. The general’s removal also followed an abrupt shake-up in the leadership of China’s nuclear force, the highest-level upheaval in China’s military in recent years.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Li, Xi Jinping, Li’s, General Li, Qin Gang Organizations: United States Locations: Singapore, China, United States, United

Beijing CNN —China’s Defense Minister Li Shangfu was fired on Tuesday two months after he disappeared from public view, becoming the second high-profile minister to lose his job recently without any official explanation. Li, who was appointed defense minister in March, has not been seen in public since late August, fueling intense speculation about his fate. Li’s ousting, ironically, has removed a major roadblock for the resumption of high-level military talks between China and the United States. The Financial Times also reported that the US government believes the defense minister has been placed under investigation, citing American officials. Li is believed to be a protege of General Zhang Youxia, Xi’s childhood friend and closest ally in the military.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Li, Xi Jinping, –, outranks, Qin Gang, Qin, Xi, Li’s, won’t, “, General Zhang Youxia, Zhang Organizations: Beijing CNN — China’s, Central Military, National People’s Congress, Foreign, Qin, Communist, of, People, Xinhua News Agency, Getty, PLA Rocket Force, Street Journal, The Financial Times, Defense Ministry, Central Military Commission, Development Department, Rocket Force, Equipment Development Department, Security Forum Locations: Beijing, China, United States, Sichuan, Africa, Russia, Belarus

☆ China ousts defence minister, the second senior leader to leave in three months
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Yew Lun Tian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING, Oct 24 (Reuters) - China removed its defence minister on Tuesday, the second ousting of a senior leader in three months, raising questions about the stability of the leadership team around Chinese President Xi Jinping. General Li Shangfu, who has been absent from public view for two months, was dismissed as defence minister and state councillor, according to state media. No replacement for Li was named, leaving the country without a defence minister as it prepares to host foreign defence officials at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Oct. 29-31. Li, 65, disappeared from public view two months ago. No other defence minister in China had served for a shorter time than Li.

Persons: Xi Jinping, General Li Shangfu, Gang, Li, Xi, Qin, Wang Yi, Yew Lun, Don Durfee, Mark Potter, Nick Macfie Organizations: National People's, CCTV, Beijing Xiangshan, Reuters, Wall, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, China, Beijing, Russia, United States

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