The Chinese government has not given any explanation about the whereabouts of its defense chief who has not been seen in public for one month.

Defense Minister Li Shangfu was last seen delivering a speech at the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum in Beijing on August 29.

China's defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian was asked by foreign journalists about Li's fate at a news conference on Thursday.

Wu avoided answering the questions by saying that he is not informed of the situation, and he had already answered.

Media outlets in the West and Hong Kong have reported that Li and senior officials, including the top of the rocket force who was replaced in July, are being investigated on suspicion of corruption.

In July, former Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was removed from his post about six months after being appointed. His whereabouts had not been reported for one month.