Investigation into the corruption case against China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun has started. Dong Jun is the third Chinese defense minister to come under investigation. According to the Financial Times report on Wednesday, this incident has created a stir among the top officials of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Dong Jun is the third Chinese defense minister to be investigated for alleged corruption, the report said. Let us tell you that according to American officials, this investigation is ongoing. However, when Reuters requested China’s foreign and defense ministries to comment on the allegations, they did not immediately respond.
More than 9 officers have been removed so far
China’s army has started a comprehensive anti-corruption campaign since last year. Under which so far more than nine PLA generals and many defense industry officials have been removed from the national executive body.
It is noteworthy that former Navy Chief Dong Jun was appointed Defense Minister in December 2023. His previous defense minister, Li Shangfu, was removed after only seven months in office.
Refused to meet US Defense Secretary
According to Reuters, Dong Jun refused to meet US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the defense ministers’ meeting in Laos last week. He said that this decision has been taken due to American action on Taiwan. Which the Pentagon chief called unfortunate on Wednesday (November 27).
Dong Jun was not promoted to CMC
As Defense Minister, Dong Jun is responsible for China’s military diplomacy. He recently resolved a case related to US-China military relations. Theater level commander talks were held for the first time between the two countries in September. However, he was not promoted to China’s highest-level military body, the Central Military Commission (CMC), at a key Communist Party meeting this year.