China's Communist Party Expels Former Foreign and Defence Ministers from Central Committee

China's ruling Communist Party has announced significant decisions during its latest Central Committee meeting, including accepting the resignation of former foreign minister Qin Gang from the Central Committee and expelling former defence minister Li Shangfu and two other top generals from the party.

The decisions were made during the third plenum of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) Central Committee, a four-day session focused on economic improvements and internal governance.

Qin Gang had disappeared from public view in 2023 

Qin Gang, 58, who served briefly as China’s foreign minister before disappearing from public view in 2023, had his resignation accepted by the Central Committee, though the reason for his removal remains undisclosed. Despite his resignation, he was still referred to as "Comrade" in the official communique.

Following Qin's resignation, he was replaced by Wang Yi, his predecessor and a member of the Politburo, the party's top decision-making body. Earlier, Qin had already been stripped of his position as a state councillor and resigned from the National People’s Congress.

Removals part of wider crackdown on corruption 

The Central Committee also affirmed the Politburo's decision to expel General Li Shangfu, former head of China's Rocket Force and defence minister, along with Generals Li Yuchao and Sun Jinming. Their expulsion from the party was linked to charges of corruption and indiscipline, part of President Xi Jinping's ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the military.

President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the CPC, has intensified efforts to root out corruption since coming to power in 2012. Over 50 military officials have faced disciplinary actions as part of this campaign.

These moves underscore President Xi's continued efforts to maintain party discipline and combat corruption within the ranks of China's political and military leadership.