China’s Minister of National Defense Reportedly Investigated for Corruption

China’s Minister of National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, is reportedly under investigation for corruption.

He’s the third consecutive defense minister to face such allegations.

This follows the pattern of his predecessors, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, both of whom were expelled from the Communist Party earlier for “serious violations of discipline,” including accepting substantial bribes.

Dong’s investigation is reportedly part of a sweeping anti-corruption purge within the PLA, which has led to the removal of several high-ranking officials.

However, China’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed the reports of Dong Jun’s investigation as “shadow-chasing,” suggesting that the claims are unfounded.

Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning refuted the allegations during a regular news briefing, saying that such reports lack credible evidence

Who is Dong Jun?

Born in 1961 in Yantai, Shandong Province, Dong Jun started his military career after graduating from the Dalian Naval Academy in 1979.

He ascended through various positions within the PLA Navy, including deputy commander roles in the East Sea Fleet and the Southern Theater Command.

In September 2021, he was appointed Commander of the PLA Navy, a position he held until December 2023.

On 29 December 2023, Dong Jun was appointed as China’s Minister of National Defense, succeeding General Li Shangfu, who was removed from office in October 2023 amid corruption allegations.

Just this month, Dong Jun attended the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Vientiane, Laos. During the summit, he delivered a speech emphasizing China’s commitment to regional security and cooperation.

Notably, Dong declined a request for a one-on-one meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, citing concerns over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, which China views as undermining its core interests.