DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

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 signals more support for struggling local governments
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty ImagesBEIJING — China on Tuesday took steps toward easing financing conditions for local governments, which have been at the crux of recent economic difficulties. The central government said it formalized a process allowing local governments to borrow funds for the year ahead — starting in the preceding fourth quarter, according to an announcement published by state media. The measure was adopted at a meeting of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, according to state media. The move helps stabilize fiscal policy, said Xu Hongcai, deputy director of the Economics Policy Commission at the China Association of Policy Science. On Tuesday, Chinese authorities also announced the issuance of 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in government bonds for natural disaster relief, according to state media.

Persons: —, Xu Hongcai, Zhiwei Zhang Organizations: Workers, Future Publishing, Getty, State Council, National, China Association of Policy, CNBC, International Monetary Fund, IMF, Xinhua Locations: Suzhou, China's Jiangsu, BEIJING, China

☆ China reportedly ousts defense minister after two-month absence
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Chinese government removed Gen. Li Shangfu from the post of defense minister and state councilor without appointing a replacement, state media CCTV reported Tuesday. Li, who was appointed to lead China's Defense Ministry during a broader Cabinet reshuffle in March, has not been seen in public for the past two months, according to Reuters. Reuters also reported that Li, 65, faced a corruption probe over the procurement of military equipment — which CNBC could not independently confirm. Li is the second high-profile minister from Xi's administration to be removed amid a storm of speculation. In July, Qin Gang — who was also stripped of his authority as state councilor on Tuesday — was dismissed from his role as foreign minister after a one-month absence.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Li, Xi Jinping, Qin Gang —, — Organizations: National People's, China's Defense Ministry, Reuters, CNBC, Renown, Chinese Communist Party, Central Military Commission, —, Qin

☆ 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

☆ China set to approve $137 bln in extra sovereign debt on Tuesday -sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese Yuan banknotes are seen in this illustration picture taken June 14, 2022. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 23 (Reuters) - China is set to approve slightly more than 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion) in additional sovereign debt issuance on Tuesday as Beijing steps up its efforts to spur infrastructure spending and encourage economic growth, three sources told Reuters. China's top legislators, the standing committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), are set to approve the extra debt issuance on the last day of a meeting which has run from Oct. 20 to Oct. 24, said the sources, who declined to be named due to confidentiality constraints. But its ability to spur growth has been hamstrung by fears over debt risks and a fragile yuan. ($1 = 7.3171 Chinese yuan renminbi)Reporting by Reuters staff; Editing by Alexander SmithOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Florence Lo, Typhoon Doksuri, Alexander Smith Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, National People's Congress, Information Office, NPC, Ministry of Finance, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, Hebei, China's

☆ China weighs options to blunt U.S. sanctions in a Taiwan conflict
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Eduardo Baptista | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

"In the context of intensified Sino-U.S. strategic competition and the Taiwan Strait conflict, we should be wary of the U.S. replicating this financial sanction model against China," wrote Chen Hongxiang, a researcher at a branch of the People's Bank of China (PBOC) in eastern Jiangsu province. Wang and several PBOC researchers wrote in articles that if the U.S. implemented Russia-style sanctions on China, Beijing should freeze U.S. investment and pension funds and seize the assets of U.S. companies. ENERGY AND ALLIANCESBesides financial sanctions, Russia's response to Western pressure on its oil, gas, metals, and chips industry has given food for thought to Chinese researchers. Chinese researchers also suggested Beijing exploit cracks within the European Union and between the U.S. and its allies. "The mutual penetration of the Chinese and American economies will inevitably weaken the willingness to impose financial sanctions," he wrote.

Persons: Thomas Peter, Chen Hongxiang, Xi Jinping, Yu Yongding, Yu, PBOC, Wang Yongli, Wang, Sun, Mou Lingzhi, Xia Fan, Ye Yan, Martin Chorzempa, Chorzempa, Chen, Eduardo Baptista, David Crawshaw Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, U.S, Moscow, China, People's Bank of China, Reuters, Senior U.S, People's Liberation Army, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China International Futures, U.S ., China Center for International Economic, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, China Minmetals Corporation, London Metals Exchange, Oil and Gas Exploration, Development Company, European Union, Peterson Institute for International Economics, EU, Thomson Locations: Fuzhou, Taiwan, Matsu, China, Rights BEIJING, Russia, Ukraine, Jiangsu, Beijing, Russian, U.S, Hainan, Washington, United States

The individuals' accounts varied but were consistent in describing heightened scrutiny of overseas travel even after China reopened borders in January. Reuters is reporting these measures and the scope of some post-COVID travel curbs for the first time. NEW LIMITSRestrictions on personal foreign travel have long applied to senior government officials and state executives with access to confidential information. MAPPING CONNECTIONSChinese authorities are also scrutinising personal foreign ties, according to a document seen by Reuters, one of the 10 people who discussed travel curbs and three other state-enterprise workers with knowledge of the matter. Thomas said the travel curbs in particular would have implications for China's interactions with the world.

Persons: Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Xi, Neil Thomas, Thomas, Wang Zhi'an, Engen Tham, Julie Zhu, Kane Wu, Xie Yu, Martin Quin Pollard, David Crawshaw, Vidya Ranganathan Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Asia Society, Center for, State, Information Office, Communist Party, China Construction Bank, China Development Bank, National Council for Social Security Fund, Municipal Eco, Communist, Communist Youth League, Ministry of State Security, U.S . Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, Beijing, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, Rights SHANGHAI, HONG KONG, Center for China, Washington, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Hong Kong, Singapore, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Japan, Italy

☆ Exclusive: Combat veteran is likely replacement for China's missing defence minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

China's defence ministry and State Council information office did not respond to requests for comment. If his departure is confirmed, Li will be the second senior minister to lose his job in recent months. Qin Gang was removed as foreign minister in July, one month after he was last seen in public. U.S. defence officials have long wanted to reestablish routine communications with counterparts directly involved in command decisions. Qin was made foreign minister in Dec. 2022 and Li became defence minister in March.

Persons: Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Liu Zhenli, Liu, Li Shangfu, Li, Qin Gang, Qin, Nancy Pelosi, Xi Jinping, Xi, James Char, Lloyd Austin, Alexander Neill, Willy Lam, Chang Dingqiu, Katerina Ang, Daniel Flynn Organizations: Political Consultative, REUTERS, Rights, Defence, Reuters, Russia, Joint Staff Department of, Central Military Commission, State, U.S . Department of Defense, ., CMC, Xiangshan, National, Committee, Communist Party's, U.S, Pentagon, People's, Army, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Washington, PUBLIC, National Defence, Joint Staff Department, Pacific Forum, Jamestown Foundation, Xinhua, Air Force, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, United States, U.S, Taipei, ., Singapore, Honolulu, Vietnam

☆ China plans to ease one of the biggest hurdles for foreign business
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

China News Service | China News Service | Getty ImagesBEIJING — Chinese authorities are signaling a softer stance on once-stringent data rules, among recent moves to ease regulation for business, especially foreign ones. But foreign businesses have found it difficult to comply — if not operate — due to vague wording on terms such as "important data." The country's top executive body, the State Council, in August revealed a 24-point plan for supporting foreign business operations in the country. The text included a call to reduce the frequency of random inspections for companies with low credit risk, and promoting data flows with "green channels" for certain foreign businesses. When U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited China in August, she called for more action to improve predictability for U.S. businesses in China.

Persons: Reva Goujon, Goujon, Gabriel Wildau, Gina Raimondo, Martin Chorzempa, Samm Sacks, Yale Law School Paul, Chorzempa, Sacks, Beijing's Organizations: China News Service, Getty, Cyberspace Administration of China, Government, European Union Chamber of Commerce, CNBC, EU, State, China Corporate, CAC, State Council, Commerce, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Yale Law School, Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center and New, Baidu Locations: Chongqing, BEIJING, China, Beijing, Covid, U.S, Yale Law School Paul Tsai China Center and New America

☆ Laphonza Butler makes history as first Black openly lesbian U.S. senator
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Ece Yildirim | In Ecedyildirim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Laphonza Butler was sworn into the Senate Tuesday afternoon, making history as the first openly lesbian Black senator to serve in Congress, and the first openly LGBTQ senator to represent California. She will also be the third Black woman to ever serve in the Senate. Butler was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to fill late California senator Dianne Feinstein's seat for the remainder of the term through 2024. NBC News reported that The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) had urged Newsom to appoint Barbara Lee, a Black woman and California Rep. of 25 years. She held the position from 2021 until this week, when she stepped down to accept the Senate seat.

Persons: Laphonza Butler, Butler, Gavin Newsom, Dianne Feinstein's, Feinstein, Barbara Lee, Katie Porter, Adam B, Schiff, Governor Newsom, Porter, Nancy Pelosi, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Newsom, Steven Horsford, Kamala Harris, Harris, Uber, Butler's, Laphonza Organizations: NBC News, Congressional Black Caucus, CBC, Congressional, Caucus, Black, Democratic, SEIU, University of California, SEIU State Council, CNBC Locations: California, Mississippi, Maryland, Washington

☆ China says it will resume visa-free policies to spur inbound travel
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Passengers push their luggage through the international arrivals hall at Beijing Capital International Airport after China lifted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quarantine requirement for inbound travellers in Beijing, China January 8, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSINGAPORE, Sept 29 (Reuters) - China will resume visa-free policies and consider adding more countries to its visa-exemption list to help boost the country's post-pandemic tourism business, according to a policy document released on Friday. In a statement posted on the central government's website, it said visa-free policies and visa assurances on arrival would be promoted as well as smoother immigration clearances for cruises and self-driving tourists. The government also called for enhanced tax-rebate services such the creation of more tax-rebate shops. Reporting by Chen Aizhu; editing by Christina FincherOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Thomas Peter, Chen Aizhu, Christina Fincher Organizations: Beijing Capital International, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: China, Beijing, Rights SINGAPORE, China's

☆ French court should reject lawsuit on police racial profiling, adviser says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Layli Foroudi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

PARIS, Sept 29 (Reuters) - An adviser to France's top administrative court urged it on Friday to reject a class action lawsuit against the state alleging police inaction on racial profiling, saying the government could not be held at fault over a lack of reform. Six human rights groups petitioning the Conseil d'Etat (State Council) argued the police discriminate against young Arab and Black men during routine patrols. The State Council, of which the public rapporteur is a member, is not bound by such opinions but follows the adviser's lead in most cases. A lawyer for the rights groups, which include Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, urged the council not to follow the recommendation. The rights groups' case is supported by statements from 40 victims as well as police.

Persons: Esther de Moustier, doesn't, Antoine Lyon, Slim Ben Achour, Layli, Rami Ayyub Organizations: State Council, Amnesty, Human Rights Watch, Thomson Locations: Caen, North

Li’s disappearance follows a series of unexplained personnel shakeups that have roiled the upper ranks of China’s ruling Communist Party this summer, including the ousting in July of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang. The Financial Times reported that the US government believes the defense minister has been placed under investigation, citing American officials. Li, who was sanctioned by the US in 2018 over China’s purchase of Russian weapons, is still listed as China’s defense minister, one of its five state councilors, and a member of the party’s powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). Beijing has never issued an explanation for Qin’s removal nor said that the former minister was under investigation. China’s State Council Information Office has not replied to queries from CNN on the matter.

Persons: Li Shangfu’s, Wu Qian, “, China’s, Qin, Li, Wu, Xi Jinping, they’ve, Li Shangfu, Antony Blinken Organizations: Beijing CNN, Defense Ministry, Communist Party, Foreign, Qin Gang, People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, CNN, Reuters, Communist, Street Journal, The Financial Times, Central Military Commission, Development Department, State, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times Locations: China, Beijing, Washington, United States

Two people who know Fu told CNN that they heard from common friends she had a child through surrogacy in the US, though they did not know who the father was. Fu stopped posting on her WeChat social media account in May after returning to China from the US in April, two sources close to Fu told CNN. Fu Xiaotian, 40, was the host of a flagship talk show on Hong Kong-based Chinese broadcaster Phoenix TV. Following Qin’s disappearance, Chinese social media users have scrutinized Fu’s posts on Weibo, a popular microblogging site, where she boasts more than a million followers. She last posted on Wechat, another Chinese social media app, on May 21, the two people who know Fu told CNN.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN — China’s, Qin Gang, Fu Xiaotian, Qin, Fu, Xi Jinping, ”, Fu –, –, Qin’s, “, ” Yun Sun, Sun, That’s, Xiaotian, Zikuan Chen, Fu reminisced, Er, ’ ” Fu Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Financial Times, Phoenix, CNN, China’s Foreign, ” CNN, China’s, Information Office, Phoenix TV, Wall Street Journal, Communist Party, Stimson, World, Cambridge University, Star, Churchill College, Gulfstream G650, Fu, Federal Aviation Administration, Gulfstream, Anchorage International, Washington DC, Qin Locations: Hong Kong, United States, Beijing, China, Washington, London, Phoenix TV’s London, Fu, Weibo, California, Chongqing, Orange County , California, Italy, alma, Los Angeles, Anchorage, Alaska, Miami

☆ China central-bank adviser proposes structural reforms to revive economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Paramilitary police officers stand guard in front of the headquarters of the People's Bank of China, the central bank (PBOC), in Beijing, China September 30, 2022. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSHANGHAI, Sept 24 (Reuters) - China has limited room for further monetary policy easing, and it should pursue structural reforms such as encouraging entrepreneurs rather than counting on macroeconomic policies to revive growth, a central bank adviser said on Sunday. "More importantly, we will again miss the opportunity for structural reforms." Liu proposed on Sunday a new round of structural reforms that could aid the economy immediately, while also injecting long-term growth momentum. Liu said on Sunday that China should give clearer recognition to private businesses' status, both ideologically and politically.

Persons: Tingshu Wang, Liu Shijin, Liu, Jamie Freed Organizations: People's Bank of China, REUTERS, Rights, People's Bank of China's, U.S, Bund Summit, Development Research Center, State Council, Shanghai, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Shanghai

☆ Defence minister's disappearance latest case of missing Chinese official
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Yew Lun Tian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BEIJING, Sept 22 (Reuters) - The disappearance of China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who is being investigated for corruption, is just the latest recent case in which a senior official in President Xi Jinping's entourage has mysteriously vanished. If the official is from the military, the investigating body is the People's Liberation Army's own Discipline Inspection Commission. LI YUCHAO AND XU ZHONGBO, EX-ROCKET FORCE LEADERSAnother military general missing-in-action is Li Yuchao, 60, who was put in charge of China's conventional and nuclear missiles in January last year. Xu Zhongbo was replaced by an air force general from the Southern Theatre Command. Neither Li Yuchao nor Xu Zhongbo have been seen in public for months.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Xi Jinping's, Qin Gang, LI, China's, Li, QIN, Qin, Xi Jinping, XIAO YAQING, Xiao, XU ZHONGBO, Li Yuchao, Xu Zhongbo, Yew Lun, Antoni Slodkowski, Michael Perry Organizations: China's Defence, Commission, Chinese Communist Party, Foreign, Reuters, Wall Street, Communist Party, FORCE, Rocket Force, Southern Theatre Command, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Beijing, Russia, Belarus, Vietnam, United States

Hong Kong CNN —China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday declined to address a report its former foreign minister Qin Gang was ousted from his position over an alleged extramarital affair. When asked about the report during a regular press briefing Tuesday, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry said she was “not aware” of the information. “As for the appointment and removal of the Chinese Foreign Minister, the Chinese side has released information before,” spokesperson Mao Ning said in an apparent reference to the July announcement of his replacement. Qin served as Chinese Ambassador to the US from July 2021 until early 2023 when he assumed his short-lived role as foreign minister. According to a biographical information page on China’s Foreign Ministry website, Qin is married with a son.

Persons: Hong Kong CNN —, Qin Gang, Qin, Xi Jinping, Li Shangfu, “, Mao Ning, Wang Yi, –, Xi, Antony Blinken Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Hong Kong CNN — China’s, Wall Street Journal, Communist Party, Rocket Force, China’s Defense, Foreign Ministry, Communist, Wall Street, CNN, China’s, Information Office, China’s Foreign Ministry, Foreign Locations: Hong Kong, Washington, Beijing, China’s, China, United States

☆ Turbulence in China’s top ranks raises questions about Xi Jinping’s rule
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Defense Minister Li Shangfu has not been seen in public for three weeks, sparking speculation he is under investigation. Both Li and Qin serve among China’s five state councillors, a senior position in the cabinet that outranks a regular minister. Li also sits on the Central Military Commission, a powerful body headed by Xi that commands the armed forces. China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu gives a speech during the Moscow Conference on International Security on August 15. Last week, as speculation mounted over the whereabouts of the defense minister, Xi called for unity and stability within the military during an inspection in China’s northeast.

Persons: China’s, Li Shangfu, Weeks, Qin Gang, Xi, Li, Qin, outranks, “ What’s, ”, Drew Thompson, Xi Jinping, James Char, Lloyd Austin, Alexander Nemenov, Xi’s, Deng Yuwen, ” Rahm Emanuel, Agatha Christie’s, “, –, Craig Singleton, General Zhang Youxia, Zhang, He’s, Thompson, they’re, ” Thompson, Mao Zedong, Char, …, ” Char, Jinping Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Defense, Foreign, Central Military Commission, People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, Wall Street Journal, Communist Party, National University of Singapore, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Belarus ’, US, Singapore’s Navy, China's, Conference, International Security, Getty, Twitter, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Washington DC, Development Department, Rocket Force, Equipment Development Department Locations: China, Hong Kong, United States, Washington, Beijing, Singapore, Moscow, Belarus, Minsk, AFP, Japan, Soviet, Sichuan, “

☆ China central bank, FX regulator meet foreign firms in capital drive
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The headquarters of the People's Bank of China, the central bank, is pictured in Beijing, China, February 3, 2020. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Sept 18 (Reuters) - China's central bank and forex regulator met with foreign financial institutions and companies on Monday, as Beijing strives to attract overseas investment to support its recovery. China will improve its policies, and create a market-oriented and international-level business climate, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng was quoted as saying in the statement. China has sought to court foreign capital as its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic slows in the face of tepid overseas demand and property weakness. Actualised foreign direct investment into China fell 5.1% year-on year to 847.2 billion yuan ($116 billion) in the first eight months of 2023, the commerce ministry said on Friday.

Persons: Jason Lee, Morgan Stanley, Pan Gongsheng, Pan, Ellen Zhang, Ethan Wang, Bernard Orr, Louise Heavens, Alexander Smith Organizations: People's Bank of China, REUTERS, Rights, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Council, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING

HONG KONG, Sept 18 (Reuters) - The disappearance of Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu highlights the opaque and complex nature of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), diplomats and analysts say. In the Chinese system, the Minister of National Defence is seen as significantly less powerful than the U.S. defence secretary and many international equivalents. HOW DOES THE CHINESE MILITARY SYSTEM OPERATE? When the forum was last held in-person in 2019, more than 530 defence and military officials and scholars attended, including defence ministers from 23 countries. The Chinese defence minister would typically give the keynote speech at the forum and meet with delegations.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Li, Xi Jinping, technocrat, Xi, Lloyd Austin, Jake Sullivan, Wang Yi, Zhang Youxia, Greg Torode, Tian, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Defence, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Reuters, of National Defence, Central Military Commission, Communist Party, Strategic, Force, . Defence, White House, Foreign, Austin, CMC, Diplomats, China, Thomson Locations: HONG KONG, U.S, ., Singapore, Malta, China

☆ Explainer-China's Military Hierarchy Under Spotlight After Defence Minister Disappears
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-18 | by ( Sept. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

By Greg Torode and Yew Lun TianHONG KONG (Reuters) - The disappearance of Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu highlights the opaque and complex nature of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), diplomats and analysts say. In the Chinese system, the Minister of National Defence is seen as significantly less powerful than the U.S. defence secretary and many international equivalents. HOW DOES THE CHINESE MILITARY SYSTEM OPERATE? When the forum was last held in-person in 2019, more than 530 defence and military officials and scholars attended, including defence ministers from 23 countries. The Chinese defence minister would typically give the keynote speech at the forum and meet with delegations.

Persons: Greg Torode, Li Shangfu, Li, Xi Jinping, technocrat, Xi, Lloyd Austin, Jake Sullivan, Wang Yi, Zhang Youxia, Tian, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Reuters, Defence, People's Liberation Army, PLA, of National Defence, Central Military Commission, Communist Party, Strategic, Force, . Defence, White House, Foreign, Austin, CMC, Diplomats, China Locations: HONG KONG, U.S, ., Singapore, Malta, China

Newly installed Foreign Minister Qin Gang vanished with scant explanation in July, the same month as an abrupt shake-up of the military's elite Rocket Force, which oversees China's nuclear arsenal. China's Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday. PROXIMITY ISN'T PATRONAGERegarding Defence Minister Li's disappearance and investigation, a ministry spokeswoman told reporters on Friday she was not aware of the situation. With corruption long permeating China's military and state institutions, some analysts and diplomats believe Xi's anti-graft crackdowns mark political purges across the Communist Party. If Li's fate "reflects Xi's increasingly inward focus, it is not good for those of us who want greater openness and lines of communications with China's military," said one Asian diplomat.

Persons: Xi Jinping, GIANLUIGI, Xi Jinping's, Li Shangfu, Qin Gang, Drew Thompson, Thompson, Li's, Li, Helena Legarda, Alexander Neill, Zhang Youxia, Lloyd Austin, Austin, Ja Ian Chong, Chong, Greg Torode, Martin Quin Pollard, William Mallard Organizations: Rights, Reuters, Foreign, Rocket Force, Pentagon, National University of Singapore, State Council and Defence Ministry, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Communist Party, Mercator Institute for China Studies, Hawaii's, Military Commission, Washington, U.S . Defence, Pacific ., East, South China Seas, Thomson Locations: Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, Rights BEIJING, India, China, Russia, Belarus, Beijing, Jakarta, Berlin, Singapore, Washington, Asia, Pacific, Taiwan, South, East China, South China, Hong Kong

But part of Xi's drive to improve his fighting force has been to stamp out corruption that has long plagued China's military and other state institutions. A leader China's space and cyber warfare development and then head of military procurement, Li, 65, was elevated to defence minister in March. He also has a more public role than others on the Central Military Commission, China's top defence body, commanded by Xi. Li's term at the Central Military Commission highlighted his ties to Xi, who has strengthened his grip across the military. A bigger question is what priority Beijing will continue to place on China's military diplomacy amid ongoing regional tensions.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Li, Xi, Nancy Pelosi, Lloyd Austin, James Char, Russian Su, Zhang Youxia, Zhang, Laurie Chen, Greg Torode, John Geddie, William Mallard Organizations: Reuters, Central Military Commission, West, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Strategic Support Force, Equipment Development Department of, Communist Party Congress, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, United States, Taiwan, Beijing, Russia, Washington, U.S, Singapore, China, Belarus, Ukraine, Russian, Hong Kong

☆ Chinese defence minister under investigation for corrupt procurement
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

The investigation into Li relates to procurement of military equipment, according to a regional security official and three people in direct contact with the Chinese military. Eight senior officials from the Chinese military's procurement unit, which Li led from 2017 to 2022, are also under investigation, according to two of the people in direct contact with the military. Reuters' detailed examination of the allegations against Li and the timing of the probe is based on interviews with sources who interact regularly with senior Chinese political and defence leaders, and regional officials with close knowledge of Chinese politics. The Financial Times reported on Friday, citing U.S. officials, that the U.S. government believes Li has been placed under investigation. Chinese officials initially said Qin's absence was also due to health reasons.

Persons: Li Shangfu, Li, U.S . State Department didn't, Japan Rahm Emanuel, Qin Gang, Qin, Xi Jinping, Lloyd Austin, Katerina Ang, Daniel Flynn Organizations: Reuters, Foreign Ministry, State Council, Defence Ministry, Financial Times, U.S, U.S . State Department, Beijing, Qin, Liberation, Rocket Force, Support Force, U.S . Defence, Pentagon, Thomson Locations: Beijing, Japan, U.S, Tokyo, Russia, Belarus, Vietnam, Hanoi, China, United States, Singapore

☆ The Public Face of China's Military Under Corruption Probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Sept. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +5 min

Persons: Greg Torode, Laurie Chen BEIJING, Li Shangfu, Li, Xi, Nancy Pelosi, Lloyd Austin, James Char, Russian Su, Zhang Youxia, Zhang, Laurie Chen, John Geddie, William Mallard Organizations: Reuters, Central Military Commission, West, People's Liberation Army, PLA, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Strategic Support Force, Equipment Development Department of, Communist Party Congress Locations: United States, Taiwan, Beijing, Russia, Washington, U.S, Singapore, China, Belarus, Ukraine, Russian, Hong Kong

Search resuls for: "State Council"

25 mentions found