Beijing – There has been intensive discussion on the disappearance of China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu. In March, Li Shangfu had taken over the reins of the post of Defence Minister of China. He had also adopted a very aggressive policy against the United States. Also, Shangfu is known to be close to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier, Qin Gang had suddenly disappeared when he was China’s Foreign Minister. Later, Wang Yi was appointed to the post after Qin Gang was ousted. Both Qin Gang and Li Shangfu are also said to be trusted aides of President Xi Jinping. Therefore, analysts claim that speculative stories about President Xi Jinping show that he is no longer as powerful in China as before.

The US Ambassador to Japan also said China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu has not appeared in public view. His claim has created a sensation, and a huge discussion has swirled on social media. There are claims that Defence Minister Li Shangfu met the President of Belarus 15 days ago and has not met anyone after that. When Qin Gang was the Foreign Minister, he had also suddenly disappeared. Later, reports of Wang Yi becoming Foreign Minister had surfaced. Accordingly, some people claim the same could happen with Li Shangfu.

Moreover, the appointment of Qin Gang and Li Shangfu to a very prominent post was due to them being the trusted allies of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Nonetheless, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has begun challenging President Xi Jinping’s leadership. Therefore, some analysts have claimed that Xi Jinping is no longer as powerful a leader as before; thus, he might be brought down from the post of President at any moment.

Furthermore, analysts have also noted that President Xi Jinping does not leave China due to this fear. They added that President Xi Jinping leaves China only for meetings and bilateral visits, which are unavoidable, as he has become very insecure.

Apart from this, Xi Jinping’s policy adopted after the Corona pandemic has caused catastrophic damage to China’s economy. In addition, Xi Jinping’s reckless policy faces criticism for putting China’s economy on the verge of collapse. The Western media has also claimed that the people of China are furious at Xi Jinping due to record unemployment and inflation levels and even because he brings a new challenge every day. Moreover, the media says that ignoring the dissatisfaction of the Chinese people is becoming difficult even for the Communist government. Hence, the news media added that Xi Jinping, who has been called China’s most powerful leader since Mao, is now becoming weak. In such a situation, the news of Li Shangfu’s disappearance shows Xi Jinping faces increasing difficulties. हिंदी