China has handed suspended death sentences to two former defence ministers in one of the country’s biggest military corruption cases in recent years. The decision highlights President Xi Jinping’s aggressive campaign against corruption inside the armed forces and political system.
According to Chinese state media, former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were convicted by a military court on corruption charges. Both officials were once among the most powerful figures in China’s military leadership.
The ruling marks one of the harshest punishments given to senior military officials during Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive.
Former Chinese Defence Chiefs Convicted in Corruption Case
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that both former ministers received suspended death sentences with a two-year reprieve. Under Chinese law, the punishment is expected to be reduced to life imprisonment after the suspension period.
Wei Fenghe was found guilty of accepting large bribes during his time in office. Li Shangfu was convicted of both accepting and offering bribes.
The court also stripped both men of their political rights for life. Their personal assets and property were confiscated as part of the punishment.
Wei Fenghe served as China’s defence minister from 2018 to 2023. Li Shangfu succeeded him and briefly held the position before disappearing from public view during a political investigation.
Both officials were members of China’s Central Military Commission, the country’s top military authority. The commission directly oversees the People’s Liberation Army and reports to President Xi Jinping.
The two former ministers regularly appeared in public events, military meetings, and international defence conferences during their time in office.
Xi Jinping Expands Anti-Corruption Campaign in Chinese Military
President Xi Jinping has continued to intensify his anti-corruption campaign across China’s military and government institutions. The campaign has targeted senior officials, military commanders, and party leaders accused of abuse of power and financial misconduct.
Analysts believe the latest sentences send a strong political message inside China’s military establishment. Beijing has repeatedly warned that corruption weakens military discipline and damages national security.
The corruption investigations involving senior defence officials have raised questions about transparency and accountability within the Chinese military system.
Over the past several years, multiple high-ranking officers and defence industry executives have disappeared from public view during investigations. Some were later removed from office or formally charged with corruption-related crimes.
The sentencing of Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu reflects Beijing’s determination to tighten control over military leadership. It also demonstrates Xi Jinping’s continued influence over the armed forces.
China Signals Zero Tolerance for Military Corruption
The latest court decision signals that China is maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption among top military officials. Experts say the harsh punishment is designed to discourage misconduct and reinforce loyalty within the military ranks.
China’s leadership has repeatedly stressed the importance of discipline, political obedience, and internal stability within the armed forces.
The sentencing of two former defence ministers is expected to increase pressure on senior military leaders across the country. It also highlights the growing role of anti-corruption investigations in China’s political system.
The case has drawn international attention because both officials once represented China at global security forums and defence meetings.
The court ruling now closes one of the most high-profile military corruption scandals in modern Chinese political history.
