In a mysterious turn of events, China's defense minister, Gen Li Shangfu, has disappeared from public view, raising concerns about potential troubles within the country's leadership. Li's absence comes just months after the dismissal of other senior officials, including former foreign minister Qin Gang and generals in charge of the nuclear arsenal. This has led to speculation about the stability of policymaking under President Xi Jinping, who recently packed top government posts with loyalists. These developments have added to existing concerns over a property crisis, economic rebound, tensions with the US, and a heightened focus on national security.

Li, 65, graduated from the National University of Defense Technology in 1982 and has a strong background in aerospace engineering. He has been a key figure in China's military modernization efforts, overseeing space and electronic warfare strategies. However, Li's tenure has been marred by controversy, including sanctions imposed by the US in 2018 for his alleged involvement in the transfer of Russian weapons to China. These sanctions played a role in his decision to snub a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin earlier this year.

Li's last public appearance was on August 29, when he spoke at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum. Since then, there has been no official information about his whereabouts or the reason for his absence. Speculation has grown after he reportedly canceled a meeting with Vietnamese defense leaders. US officials claim to have intelligence suggesting that Li has been removed from his post, but Chinese authorities have remained silent on the matter. The disappearance of high-ranking officials, particularly those appointed by Xi himself, has raised concerns about stability and potential power struggles within the Chinese leadership.

Critics of Xi compare the situation to Agatha Christie's novel "And Then There Were None," highlighting the sudden removal of key figures and questioning the strength of Xi's cabinet. However, some suggest that Li's removal could clear the way for renewed military talks between China and the US, as his presence had been cited as an obstacle due to the US-imposed sanctions. The next event that will shed light on Li's situation is the upcoming Xiangshan Forum, a defense meeting scheduled for October. If Li fails to appear at the conference, it could indicate the appointment of a new defense minister, adding further instability to the leadership. Overall, the disappearance of Gen Li Shangfu adds to the uncertainty surrounding China's leadership and raises questions about the future direction of the country. As Beijing grapples with economic challenges and external pressures, the integrity and stability of its top ranks are paramount in navigating these complex issues.