Convicted of Corruption, Two Former Defence Ministers Sentenced to Death
The Chinese government has once again conducted a major purge within its military ranks by imposing the harshest penalties on two of its former high-ranking officials. On Thursday (7 May 2026), a Chinese military court sentenced two former Defence Ministers to death with a two-year suspension for bribery charges.
Citing a report from The Guardian on Friday (8 May 2026), the two individuals are Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe. This death sentence with a two-year suspension means their penalties are likely to be reduced to life imprisonment if they demonstrate good behaviour during the suspension period.
Chinese state media Xinhua announced on Thursday that after the suspension period ends, no further parole will be permitted for them. Additionally, the political rights of both men have been revoked for life, and all their personal assets have been confiscated by the state. This punishment is viewed as a stern warning to other generals in the armed forces that seniority or connections cannot protect anyone from the purge.
Li Shangfu served as Defence Minister for seven months in 2023. His predecessor was Wei Fenghe, who held the position for five years. Although the Defence Minister position in China has relatively limited real power because military affairs are handled by the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, both held roles that gave them access to large budgets and sensitive equipment.
Before becoming Minister, Shangfu was head of the military equipment procurement department from 2017 to 2022. Meanwhile, Fenghe previously led the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force, which is responsible for China’s nuclear arsenal.
Chinese state media previously stated that Shangfu was guilty of serious violations of party discipline and law. Based on the investigation results, he was accused of seeking illegitimate personal gains in personnel arrangements and accepting large bribes.
“Li sought undue benefits in personnel arrangements for himself and others, exploited his position to seek benefits for others, and accepted large sums of money and valuables in return,” stated the Xinhua report on the investigation findings.
Both men are the most prominent military figures targeted in the major purge of the armed forces. Since 2022, more than 100 senior military officers have been removed or are potentially facing dismissal, including those who have disappeared from public view without explanation.
Since taking power in 2012, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has made anti-corruption efforts a cornerstone of his leadership. In recent years, this anti-corruption campaign has intensively targeted the People’s Liberation Army, raising questions about China’s military readiness as the high command is diminished by the purge.
Xi’s firm actions reached a peak last January, when he removed Zhang Youxia. Youxia is the second-highest ranking commander in the Chinese military after Xi himself, signalling that this purge campaign recognises no rank or status.