Chinese whispers suggest cause for alarm

To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, to lose one recently appointed senior cabinet minister could be construed as a misfortune; losing two seems like carelessness.

- MAHIR ALI

China's defence minister, Li Shangfu, was late last week reported to be under investigation for corruption possibly during his five-year tenure as the head of the Central Military Commission's equipment development department.

Seven weeks earlier, the foreign minister, Qin Gang, was dismissed without explanation. His purported sins and fate remain unknown. He was replaced by his predecessor, Wang Yi, but like Li - officially remains a state councillor.

The absence of official narratives and has spurred speculation inspired mockery. Since Xi Jinping ascended to the pinnacle of power in 2012, he has been renowned for his anti-corruption drive, as well as a tendency to elevate to positions of power long-time associates or verified loyalists. If two of his handpicked choices for internationally prominent positions had to be sidelined within months of their appointment, awkward questions about his judgement will arise.

That's not all. Shortly after Qin's disappearance and dismissal, the two top leaders of the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force were also replaced.

Xi created the Rocket Force, which oversees China's missile programme, in 2015. It's his baby, so to speak, and the perception of there being something rotten at its core can be seen as a personal blow.

It is unclear whether the purges symbolise Xi's strength, as various China analysts claim, or his weakness.