- China has named Li Shangfu, an aerospace engineer and director of an agency that planned, developed and procured weapons for the People’s Liberation Army, as its new defence minister.
- Li is under US sanctions for engaging in transactions with individuals affiliated with Russia’s defence or intelligence sectors.
- US-China military-to-military communication is in a very bad shape, one of the worst ever.
- Li's promotion could be related to his father's background, his professional abilities and reputation.
- China's defence white papers almost always talk about the US and Russia.
China elevates general under US sanctions to defence minister
Appointment complicates military dialogue efforts with relations between Washington and Beijing at new low
Kathrin Hille
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