China Sentences Two Generals to Death with Two-Year Reprieve in Corruption Case

A Chinese court has sentenced two former defense ministers to death with a two-year reprieve for corruption charges. General Wei Fenghe, 72, who served as defense minister from 2018-2023, and General Li Shangfu, 68, who served less than eight months in 2023, were convicted on corruption charges. According to Xinhua news agency, Li Shangfu was suspected of accepting massive bribes and facilitating bribery of others. Investigations revealed that Li failed to perform his duties properly and pursued personal gain for himself and others. Wei Fenghe's investigation began in 2023 and found he accepted substantial bribes in money and valuables, and helped others obtain improper benefits in personnel assignments. His actions were deemed extremely serious, causing significant harm and major losses to the military. The military has been a primary target of China's broad anti-corruption campaign under President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. In early 2024, General Zhang Youxia, commander of the People's Liberation Army and a Politburo member viewed as a long-time Xi ally, was removed from office. In China, death sentences with reprieve are typically commuted to life imprisonment if the convict commits no further offenses during the reprieve period. Once commuted to life imprisonment, there is no opportunity for further sentence reduction or temporary release.