US diplomats have questioned the absence of China’s defence minister Li Shangfu, renewing speculation of a corruption investigation.

He has not been seen in public for about two weeks and has missed several meetings, according to reports.

The US envoy to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, speculated on Mr Li’s absence, tweeting that the Chinese government had a high unemployment rate.

A number of top military officials have been axed recently, including Mr Li.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Mr Li has been removed from his position, citing sources in the US and China.

Furthermore, it comes months after Qin Gang disappeared from public view. There has still been no explanation for Mr Qin’s sudden absence and replacement in July.

The Chinese government has not said much about Gen Li either. An official from the Chinese Foreign Ministry was reportedly unaware of the situation earlier this week.

During a security forum with African nations in Beijing three weeks ago, Gen Li made his last public appearance. Occasionally, defence ministers are absent from public view for a few weeks.

As an aerospace engineer who began his career at a satellite launch center, Gen Li has risen quickly through the ranks of the Chinese military and political elite.

Xi Jinping is said to favor him just like Mr Qin. In recent months, both cabinet ministers and state councillors have gone missing, including Mr Qin.

The first signs of a military corruption purge appeared online in early August when two generals in China’s rocket forces were replaced. Months after his appointment, the military court’s president was also removed.