Editorial | Clarity can help clear air over why Beijing sacked two ministers
- Within a few months of their appointments, two important Chinese faces to the world, Qin Gang and Li Shangfu, were gone and no one seems to know why
China’s removal of its defence minister, following the replacement of its foreign minister, has attracted global attention. The circumstances are unprecedented.
Within a few months of their appointments, two members of the State Council, in senior cabinet positions, were brought down without explanation. The most likely reason is seen to be corruption.
Though both were important ministers, they were not the equals of counterparts in other governing systems. They were responsible for implementing defence and foreign policies, but not setting them.
Nonetheless the suddenness and nature of their downfall has shocked most observers.
Former foreign minister Qin Gang was replaced in July but remained a member of the State Council until this week’s announcement, which also removed Li Shangfu from all positions as defence minister, member of the Central Military Commission and state councillor.
This may not signal any major change in policy direction, but it inevitably raises questions about the political challenges facing China under one-party rule.
