On Sunday, Reuters reported that the Chinese defense minister, Li Shangfu, has disappeared. This story occurs after an investigation into corrupt procurement of military Li Shangfu may have committed in his previous role.
With Shangfu missing, many eyes have been cast towards the Xiangshan Forum happening in October. This disappearance has caused many foreign diplomats and military officials to examine the Chinese military, The People’s Liberation Army, and its hierarchy compared to other systems. Shangfu’s role is different than roles with similar titles in other countries. Under the hierarchy of the Chinese Communist Party, Shangfu held a largely ceremonial role, with little influence on the command of the military.
This news story has little proximity for an American, however, it may have future developments and impacts. The disappearance of Li Shangfu does have prominence by its virtue of discussing Chinese affairs.
This story could also have conflict as a news value, since
China is a big competitor. But I also think American media
like to cover these sorts of “shady” situations so we can
feel superior to other countries. “Why, that would never
happen in America! No sir!”