China kickstarts Xiangshan Forum in absence of defence minister

Beijing Xiangshan Forum, China’s biggest annual show of military diplomacy, started on Sunday, although the Asian power is still missing a defence minister, who typically hosts this event.
China hopes to use the forum to promote President Xi Jinping’s vision for a safer world and draw developing countries closer, as it faces increased coordination between the United States and its allies to curtail its military ambitions.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu was initially listed in the forum’s agenda as the first guest speaker at Monday’s opening ceremony, a sign that suggests China intends to give Russia, which invaded in Ukraine in 2022, centre stage at the forum. But as of Sunday, Shoigu’s name was not on the agenda.
On Tuesday, Beijing sacked defence minister Li Shangfu but did not name a replacement. Reuters reported last month that Li, who has been missing for two months, was being investigated for corruption.