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China Defense Minister faces investigation as speculation grows

China's Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, April 16, 2023. [AP Photo]

Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu has disappeared from public view for more than two weeks and his unexplained absence has triggered speculation about his fate.

Analysts say Li's disappearance, which follows a series of abrupt purges of top-level officials in recent months, reflects Chinese President Xi Jinping's desire to strengthen his control over China's military.

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