China sacks defence minister and removes ex-foreign minister from cabinet

Defence minister, Li Shangfu, sacked and ex-foreign minister Qin Gang removed from cabinet

China has removed the defence minister, Li Shangfu, and ousted ex-foreign minister Qin Gang from its cabinet, according to state media, in a major reshuffle of top leadership.

The news came after months of speculation about the country's cabinet, including confusion over the abrupt removal of Qin from office in July without explanation and the months-long absence of Li from public view.