The status of Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun remains shrouded in mystery as conflicting reports emerge about his potential involvement in a sweeping corruption investigation. The probe, reportedly targeting the top echelons of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), comes at a time when China’s military leadership faces increasing scrutiny.
Corruption Allegations Surface against Dong Jun
Two U.S. officials informed Reuters that Dong Jun is being investigated for corruption, although one cautioned against jumping to conclusions. The Financial Times initially reported that Dong was under scrutiny as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign affecting the Chinese military and its procurement systems.
According to a U.S. official, speaking anonymously, “The investigation into Dong is significant because Chinese President Xi Jinping had appointed him personally.”
Another U.S. official, however, advised caution, stating that the accuracy of the reports remains uncertain.
If the allegations are confirmed, Dong would be the third consecutive Chinese defence minister to face a corruption probe, following the removal of his predecessors Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe under similar circumstances.
China’s Dismisses Speculations against Dong Jun
When asked about the reports, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the allegations, calling them “chasing shadows.” The Chinese Defence Ministry has not responded to requests for comment.
China has been undergoing an extensive anti-corruption drive within its military since last year, which has already led to the removal of at least nine PLA generals and several defence industry executives.
Dong Jun’s Background and Role
Dong Jun, a former chief of the PLA Navy, was appointed defence minister in December 2023. His tenure followed the brief term of his predecessor, Li Shangfu, who was removed after only seven months in office.
As defence minister, Dong’s responsibilities include overseeing China’s military diplomacy and fostering international relations. He played a key role in the recent thaw between U.S. and Chinese military interactions, highlighted by September’s theatre-level commander talks—the first of their kind in years.
Despite these efforts, Dong has not been promoted to the Central Military Commission (CMC), the PLA’s highest decision-making body, or the State Council, China’s cabinet-level executive. Both omissions are unusual for someone in his position.
Historical Context of Corruption in the PLA
Dong’s predecessors, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party in June for “serious violations of discipline,” a term often used to describe corruption.
A party statement accused them of betraying the trust of senior leadership, damaging the political environment of the military, and accepting massive bribes. Li, who previously headed the strategic PLA Rocket Force, was specifically investigated for corruption in military procurement, according to Reuters.
Wei Fenghe, who also led the Rocket Force between 2015 and 2017, was removed during a government reshuffle in March 2023 and subsequently disappeared from public view.
Dennis Wilder, a professor at Georgetown University and former U.S. intelligence analyst, noted, “The history with these investigations in the PLA is that once the string of corruption is pulled, many other threads are revealed, and the sweater unravels.”
Implications for China’s Military Leadership
The probe into Dong Jun highlights the growing instability within China’s military ranks. Analysts suggest the investigations signal Xi Jinping’s determination to consolidate power and maintain control over the PLA.
However, the lack of clarity about Dong’s situation underscores broader challenges for China’s governance and its efforts to combat corruption without destabilizing key institutions.
U.S. officials have expressed little concern about the potential disruption to military relations between Washington and Beijing if Dong is removed. “China has the capacity to quickly install a successor,” one official stated.
