'Betrayed, violated discipline' – in a first, China declares graft probe against 2 ex-defence ministers

"As a high-ranking official of the Party and the military, Li betrayed the Party's original aspiration and its principles. His actions failed the trust of the Party Central Committee and the CMC (Central Military Commission), and severely contaminated the political environment of the equipment sector in the military and the ethics of relevant industries," Xinhua said on the dismissal of Li. State-run news agency Xinhua reported that both Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe have been dismissed from the party and have been under probe since August and September last year, respectively. New Delhi: For the first time Thursday,…