Sackings of top ministers in China: Is Xi facing a challenge?

China has removed two high-profile ministers, defense minister Li Shangfu and foreign minister Qin Gang, both handpicked by President Xi Jinping, without any official explanation. The sackings have raised questions about Xi’s authority and political ambitions. Some analysts suggest that the ministers may have violated Xi’s demand for loyalty or posed a threat to his power. Xi has been consolidating control over the military, security apparatus, and economic policy, but he also faces challenges such as slowing economic growth and international pressure.