China Sentences Former Defense Ministers to Suspended Death for Corruption

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China Sentences Former Defense Ministers to Suspended Death for Corruption

First seen 7 May 2026, 15:28 UTC • •59.9

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ThreatCluster •May 8, 2026 at 14:39 UTC

•Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu received suspended death sentences for bribery.
•The sentences are part of a broader anti-corruption campaign targeting military officials.
•Over 100 military officers have been purged since 2022, indicating a significant leadership shake-up.

On May 7, 2026, China's military court sentenced former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to suspended death sentences for corruption, specifically bribery. Both men received a two-year reprieve before their sentences are commuted to life imprisonment without parole. Wei, 72, served as defense minister from 2018 to 2023, while Li, 68, held the position for less than eight months before his dismissal in October 2023. This action is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's extensive anti-corruption campaign, which has seen over 100 military officers ousted since 2022. The court's decision reflects the severity of the ongoing purge within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and highlights Xi's efforts to consolidate power and eliminate corruption. Both men were also stripped of their political rights and had their personal assets confiscated.

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Timeline

2023-03-01

Li Shangfu appointed as Defense Minister

Li succeeded Wei Fenghe as China's defense minister, taking office in March 2023.

Channelnewsasia

2023-08-01

Investigation into Li launched

Chinese authorities began investigating Li Shangfu for corruption, leading to his eventual dismissal.

2023-09-01

Investigation into Wei launched

Wei Fenghe was placed under investigation for accepting bribes, contributing to the military purge.

2023-10-01

Li Shangfu dismissed from office

Li was removed from his position as defense minister after a brief tenure of less than eight months.

2024-06-01

Both men expelled from Communist Party

Wei and Li were expelled from the Communist Party, sealing their fates amid the anti-corruption drive.

2026-05-07

Suspended death sentences announced

A military court sentenced Wei and Li to suspended death sentences for corruption, effective immediately.

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