Out with the old, in the new for Beijing as a new contender for China’s defense minister steps onto the field.
General Liu Zhenli heads the Chinese military’s Joint Staff Department. It’s tasked with directing Beijing’s planning and combat operations.
If he does take up the post he’ll succeed current defense minister Li Shangfu. The official has been at the center of recent speculation. Reports say he’s been out of the public eye for more than six weeks.
With no explanation from Beijing, he’s believed to be under internal investigation and could become the second Chinese defense minister to be removed since July. Worth noting, Washington sanctioned Mr. Li in 2018 over a weapons deal with Moscow.
According to Reuters, sources say Beijing will likely announce the change by the end of this month ahead of a multi-nation security meeting.