As an internal security crackdown takes precedence over foreign engagement, the disappearance of China’s defence minister, the most recent in a series of changes in the country’s highest levels, is fueling doubt about President Xi Jinping’s leadership. According to academics and diplomats, the world’s second-largest economy’s leadership may lose some of its credibility as a result of the increasing unpredictability.
In a corruption investigation into military procurement, Defence Minister Li Shangfu has missed meetings, including ones with at least one foreign counterpart since he was last seen in late August.As an internal security crackdown takes precedence over foreign engagement, the disappearance of China’s defence minister, the most recent in a series of changes in the country’s highest levels, is fueling doubt about President Xi Jinping’s leadership.
