China's Defence Minister Li Shangfu's Sacking Sparks Speculation

China's defence minister, Li Shangfu, has been dismissed from his position, sparking rumors and speculation about the reasons behind his removal. Li's dismissal comes amidst rumors of a scandal involving Qin Gang, the former foreign minister, who was also stripped of his additional titles as state councillor. Both Li and Qin were seen as protégés of Chinese leader Xi Jinping, making their sudden downfall surprising. The Communist Party's penchant for secrecy has fueled speculation, with netizens questioning if there are hidden reasons behind the dismissals. Charges of corruption have also been laid against a former police chief, further adding to the atmosphere of political purges and rumors in China.