China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun Under Investigation for Corruption

China’s Defence Minister, General Dong Jun, is reportedly under investigation for corruption, Al Jazeera reports, citing The Financial Times.

The newspaper, citing current and former US officials, says the investigation is part of a wider crackdown on corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Chinese officials have not yet commented on the report, which remains unconfirmed at this time. Requests for confirmation from news agencies Wednesday morning went unanswered.

The alleged investigation of General Dong, a former PLA Navy chief appointed to his current post in December 2023, marks a significant development in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign targeting the military. He is the third consecutive Chinese defence minister to face such scrutiny.

This purge has already seen at least nine PLA generals and several defence industry executives removed from the National People’s Congress. Unnamed US officials told the FT that Dong’s predecessors, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, were also investigated and subsequently expelled from the Communist Party for corruption.

Li Shangfu, removed after only seven months in office, was accused of bribery, while Wei Fenghe faced similar charges. A Communist Party statement at the time described their actions as a betrayal of trust, serious pollution of the military’s political environment, and damage to the image of senior leadership. Both were alleged to have accepted substantial bribes and sought personal gain for others.

The investigation into General Dong, who played a key role in recent efforts to thaw US-China military relations – including overseeing theatre-level commander talks in September – represents a considerable blow to the party and the military’s image.

The situation is further complicated by the recent removal of at least two other high-ranking officers connected to the Rocket Force, a relatively new and strategically important branch of the PLA, for corruption-related offences.