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China has named a successor to former Defense Minister Li Shangfu, who has been missing for months.

The new defense minister was former navy commander Dong Jun, state news agency Xinhua reported on Friday, citing a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. His predecessor Li was surprisingly dismissed from his position as defense minister and from his position in China’s State Council in October.

The general had not appeared in public since August 29. Several Western media outlets had speculated about the reasons for his disappearance. Citing US government sources, there was talk of an ongoing investigation against Li. The party has tightened its crackdown on the military since the summer and replaced senior military officials on suspicion of corruption. However, no official information has yet been provided regarding Li’s disappearance.

In late July, Beijing also ousted Foreign Minister Qin Gang and reinstated his predecessor Wang Yi. Qin had also not been seen in public for weeks and was represented at international events. The reasons for his removal remain unclear.

In China, high-ranking officials continue to disappear from public view. Later it often becomes known that, for example, the party’s disciplinary committee is investigating them. (sda/dpa)