Xi stresses military unity as rumors over defense minister swirl

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for unity and stability within the military during an inspection in the northeast, just as speculation mounts over the whereabouts of the country’s defense minister.

Xi urged efforts to enforce education and management of troops, while maintaining a high level of unity, security and stability, Xinhua News reported Sunday. His comments come as Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, riffed on speculation about the recent absence of top officials including former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, former Rocket Force generals and Defense Minister Li Shangfu.

Rumors have been swirling on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, over Li’s whereabouts. His last public appearance was on Aug. 29 when he delivered a keynote speech at the 3rd China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing.