Former Chinese Defense Ministers Sentenced to Death for Bribery

china - Former Chinese defense ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, receive suspended death sentences for bribery in corruption investigations within the military.

Former Chinese Defense Ministers Receive Suspended Death Sentences

In China, former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu have been sentenced to suspended death penalties for bribery following corruption investigations within the military.

Legal Verdict

The court found Wei and Li guilty of bribery and ruled for their assets to be confiscated. The death sentences can be commuted to life imprisonment if no further crimes are committed during the suspension period.

Background

Wei served as Defense Minister from 2018 to 2023, succeeded by Li in March 2023. Li was dismissed from his position in October 2023.

The Chinese Armed Forces have been a key target of anti-corruption campaigns initiated under President Xi Jinping's administration since 2012.