Harsh sentences for former defense ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu demonstrate Beijing's intolerance for disloyalty, according to the Chinese military's official newspaper. This marks the first official accusation of disloyalty against Li.

The tough sentences handed to former defence ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu showed that Beijing had no tolerance for people with divided loyalties, the Chinese military’s official newspaper said on Friday. The PLA Daily commentary marks the first time an official outlet has accused Li of being disloyal. “The military wields the gun and there must be no one who harbours disloyalty to the party,” the editorial said. “As senior party and military leaders, Wei and Li showed a collapse of faith....