A new dismissal in the Chinese regime reinforces the obedience order imposed by Xi Jinping

Removal Foreign Ministers The defense appears to reinforce the order of complete obedience to leader Xi Jinping Eliminate any potential competitor within the ruling Communist PartyAnalysts say.

State media confirmed this week that former Defense Minister Li Changfu and former Foreign Minister Qin Gang “They are no longer running”But he did not go into details.

The ambiguity of the authoritarian one-party system generates many rumors about the resignation of both officials and whether they will face legal problems. Both Li and Chen were appointed during Xi’s rule, suggesting they should have been subject to close scrutiny, but their personal behavior or political alliances later raised questions.

“It is possible to see realignment as a manifestation of (something’s) weakness or a sign of its strength. I lean towards the insecurity side.said John Theophile Dreyer, an expert on Chinese politics at the University of Miami.

Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at the university’s School of Oriental and African Studies, said from London that Xi is breaking with precedent by sacking powerful officials he appointed, turning the entire Communist Party “into the Xi faction.”

Very little information was given about the fate of Li and Chen. The latter was fired in July amid speculation It would have violated the unspoken code of ethics that is often used to cover up internal conflicts.

Li, who was appointed defense minister during the cabinet reshuffle in March, was sent to Moscow to reinforce China’s support for Russia. He has not been seen since he gave a speech on August 29.

There is no indication that Chen and Li’s disappearance signals a change in foreign or defense policy. China is forming alliances in opposition to the liberal democratic world order led by the United States and its allies.

Xi has a reputation for valuing loyalty above all else He has relentlessly attacked corruption in the public and private sectors, in what some see as a way to eliminate political rivals and strengthen his position amid a deteriorating economy and growing tensions in the United States over trade, technology and Taiwan.

China’s political and legal systems remain opaque, leading to major controversies over corruption, personal whims, or clashes between senior officials leading to their downfall.

The ruling party is finding it difficult to revive the economy, which has been severely affected by strict “elimination of Covid” measures, an aging population, high unemployment rates among those with university degrees, and the migration of the wealthier and more educated sectors in search of more liberal societies. outside.

Now that the call “Xi Jinping Think” After it was enshrined in the party constitution and presidential term limits were abolished, Xi built the system in such a way that he could remain in power for the rest of his life.

The 70-year-old leader heads the party and state committees that oversee the People’s Liberation Army, the world’s largest military force, with two million active soldiers.

(With information from AP)