In a striking turn of events, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun is under investigation as part of a sweeping anti-corruption probe affecting the upper echelons of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This marks the continuation of a troubling trend, as Dong is the third consecutive minister to face scrutiny for alleged corruption.
Details of the Investigation
According to reports by the Financial Times and confirmed by US officials, the investigation into Mr Dong allegedly stems from issues related to military procurement and the strategic rocket forces. One US official noted the seriousness of the probe, especially considering that Chinese President Xi Jinping personally appointed Dong as defence minister in December 2023.
Historical Context
- Dong’s immediate predecessors, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, faced similar investigations—Li was removed from his position after just seven months.
- Since 2023, China has undergone a rigorous anti-corruption campaign within its military, resulting in the removal of at least nine generals along with several defence industry executives.
Current Military Relations
Mr Dong’s appointment as defence minister followed a period of improving US-China military dialogue, including significant discussions that occurred in September 2024. However, he notably skipped a recent meeting with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, citing tensions over Taiwan.
Implications for the Future
The fallout from Dong’s investigation could have substantial effects on China’s military structure and international relations. US officials have indicated that if Dong were to be removed, China could rapidly appoint a successor.
As the investigation unfolds, experts caution that it could lead to uncovering deeper systemic issues within the PLA. Former US intelligence analyst Dennis Wilder remarked, “Once the string of corruption is pulled, many other threads are revealed.”
As developments continue to emerge, many are keeping a close eye on how this situation will impact China’s military and its diplomatic relations on the global stage.