China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu Removed in Surprise Leadership Shake-Up

China has removed General Li Shangfu as defence minister in the country's second leadership shake-up in three months. The decision to remove him was approved by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and no explanation was given. Li is the second minister to be abruptly removed since Xi Jinping began his third term as the party's leader last October. Li's removal comes just days before a Pentagon delegation is due to arrive in Beijing for a regional security forum, potentially impacting high-level military dialogue between the two sides. No replacement for Li has been announced.