Li Shangfu

In the realm of Chinese politics, Chairman Xi Jinping has long been viewed as an indomitable force, steering the nation with an iron grip. However, recent events suggest cracks in his formidable facade as mounting setbacks challenge his once-unassailable position.

Top Chinese and Russian officials warned Monday that foreign forces were seeking to sow turmoil in Asia and beyond as they opened an international defence conference in Beijing.

Beijing has billed this week's Xiangshan Forum as its answer to Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue and says that representatives of 90 countries are taking part, including Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

China's defense minister has been removed from office after weeks of speculation that he would face the same fate as former foreign minister Qin Gang.

Li Shangfu has been sent to resign, the official Xinhua news agency reported, without giving reasons for this decision, the South China Morning Post wrote.

The U.S. military said Tuesday that a Chinese fighter jet flew aggressively close to a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft over the South China Sea, forcing the American pilot to fly through the turbulent wake.

It was not peaceful in Ukraine even for Easter.
Russian forces continue their attacks in the direction of Liman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka and Maryinka.

China retained its central bank chief on Feb. 12 in a surprise move, as the country appointed a cabinet focused on fighting economic headwinds.

Yi Gang was confirmed as governor of the People's Bank of China at a meeting of China's rubber-stamp national legislature, against expectations that retirement-age Yi would step down.