China's military hierarchy under spotlight after defence minister disappears

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https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-military-hierarchy-under-spotlight-after-defence-minister-disappears-2023-09-18/

China's military hierarchy under spotlight after defence minister disappears

By Greg Torode and Yew Lun Tian
September 18, 2023 3:52 AM EDT Updated 2 hours ago

HONG KONG, Sept 18 (Reuters) - The disappearance of Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu highlights the opaque and complex nature of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), diplomats and analysts say.

Reuters reported on Friday that Li is under investigation over the corrupt procurement of military equipment during his previous role. Eight other senior officials are also being investigated. His fate has not been officially explained.

HOW POWERFUL WAS LI SHANGFU WITHIN THE PLA SYSTEM?
In the Chinese system, the Minister of National Defence is seen as significantly less powerful than the U.S. defence secretary and many international equivalents.

The position is essentially a diplomatic and ceremonial role without a direct command function.

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[FrankChurchDem]

1. They lost a nuclear submarine in August near Taiwan

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/pla-submarine-missing-chinas-defense-minister-underground/?amp

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2. Oops.

Thanks for the additional info.

[riversedge]

3. ......Some reports suggested that the entire crew of 100 onboard the vessel perished............

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/pla-submarine-missing-chinas-defense-minister-underground/?amp

.........Major General Huang Wenqi, assistant deputy director of the Intelligence Office of the General Staff Headquarters of Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, said he would not comment on this as the relevant information is “absolutely confidential.” He added that “it is not convenient to disclose because of the sensitivity involved.”

The reports of the mishap concerning the Type 093 or Shang Class nuclear submarines, one of the most potent submarines in the PLA-Navy’s fleet, started on August 21. Some reports suggested that the entire crew of 100 onboard the vessel perished. China did not substantiate any of the reports. China has six Shang-class nuclear-powered submarines.