US believes China defence chief Li Shangfu under investigation by Beijing, relieved of duties: Report

News Snapshot:

The US government believes China’s Defence Minister Li Shangfu is the subject of an investigation by Beijing and has been relieved of his duties, The Financial Times reported Thursday citing American officials. The report came shortly before high-ranking diplomat Rahm Emanuel, the US ambassador to Japan, stated on social media late Thursday Washington time that Li “hasn’t been seen or heard from in 3 weeks,” and that the minister might have been placed under house arrest. It is the latest sign of potential turmoil in Beijing after Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang inexplicably disappeared and was ousted from his post...