China has officially ousted Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who disappeared from public view nearly two months ago. Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an order to remove Li from his position after the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress voted in favor. This move follows a similar incident earlier this year when China removed its foreign minister, Qin Gang, who had also gone missing. While no official reasons have been given for Li’s removal, it highlights China’s intolerance for senior leaders deviating from expected conduct. Such disappearances are not uncommon in China and are often followed by accusations of criminal conduct, including corruption. However, the simultaneous disappearance of two sitting ministers is unusual. In other news, China and Bhutan held border talks, with both countries expressing a desire to strengthen diplomatic ties and resolve their border issues.