China's Defence Shake-Up: Dong Jun Under Corruption Probe

Dong Jun, China's Defence Minister, is under investigation for alleged corruption, marking him as the third successive minister implicated in recent probes. The anti-corruption campaign has seen dismissals within China's military echelons, including top officials from the People's Liberation Army. Dong's diplomatic efforts and his earlier roles remain under scrutiny.

China's Defence Minister Dong Jun has come under investigation amid an expansive anti-corruption probe impacting the leadership of the People's Liberation Army, as reported by the Financial Times.

This marks the third consecutive Chinese defence minister embroiled in corruption allegations. Current and former U.S. officials have confirmed the probe's focus on Dong, who mirrors the recent purges of PLA generals and defence industry executives.

Dong, who has served as the PLA Navy chief, assumed the ministerial position in December 2023 but did not secure a spot on China's top military body, the Central Military Commission. His predecessors, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party for severe disciplinary breaches, indicating systemic challenges within China's defence ranks.

(With inputs from agencies.)