Former China defence ministers convicted of corruption in latest purge of military leaders

Ex-defence ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe both sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, among the most severe sentences in a years-long purge Two former Chinese defence ministers were given suspended death sentences for bribery on Thursday, after being convicted by China’s military court, in some of the most severe punishments to be handed down in a years-long purge of the military. Chinese state media Xinhua announced on Thursday that Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe were both sentenced t...

By Amy Hawkins in Beijing

Fate of China’s ex-defence heads shows party won’t allow disloyalty: state media

The tough sentences handed to former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu showed that Beijing had no tolerance for people with divided loyalties, the Chinese military’s official newspaper said on Friday. The PLA Daily commentary marks the first time an official outlet has accused Li of being disloyal. “The military wields the gun and there must be no one who harbours disloyalty to the party,” the editorial said. “As senior party and military leaders, Wei and Li showed a collapse of fai...

By Phoebe Zhang

Ex-China Defence Ministers Get Suspended Death Sentences In Corruption Cases

Chinese President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive has resulted in the removal of China's highest ranking general and military leadership.