China Hands Suspended Death Sentences to Former Defence Ministers Over Corruption

China has sentenced former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu to death with a two-year reprieve over corruption-related offences, according to state media reports.

The ruling, reported by Xinhua News Agency, highlights the intensity of the anti-corruption campaign within China’s military under President Xi Jinping.

Since assuming office in 2012, Xi has led a broad crackdown on corruption across the armed forces, with the military becoming one of the main targets of the campaign. In recent years, the investigations expanded to the elite Rocket Force, which oversees China’s nuclear and conventional missile systems.

The purge intensified further earlier this year with the removal of senior military figure Zhang Youxia, a Politburo member previously regarded as a close ally of Xi Jinping.

According to previous reports by Xinhua, Li Shangfu was accused of accepting large bribes, bribing others, and seeking personal advantages in personnel appointments. Investigators also stated that he failed to fulfil his political responsibilities.

Wei Fenghe was similarly accused of accepting substantial amounts of money and valuables in bribes while helping others secure improper benefits through military appointments. Authorities described his actions as extremely serious and damaging.

Under Chinese law, a death sentence with a two-year reprieve is usually reduced to life imprisonment if the individual commits no offences during the suspension period. Following commutation, the sentence is typically converted to life imprisonment without parole.

The ongoing corruption investigations within China’s military have raised concerns among analysts about weaknesses in command structures and the operational readiness of the country’s rapidly modernising armed forces.