Chinese state-run media say the ruling Communist Party has decided to expel two former defense ministers for alleged corruption.

The media outlets reported on Thursday that Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe are accused of serious violations of the party's discipline and the law.

The two officials also allegedly took bribes.

Li was dismissed from the defense minister's post in October after his whereabouts had been unknown for nearly two months.

Some media outlets in the West and Hong Kong had speculated that Wei and a number of senior officials of the Chinese military were being investigated for corruption.