China has named Dong Jun, a former naval commander, as its new defense minister, filling the position that was left vacant after the removal of Li Shangfu two months ago. The announcement was made by the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislative body, following its final session for the year. The move comes amid a series of military personnel shake-ups over the past few months, which have raised questions about the governance of Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the transparency of China's political system.
Li Shangfu, who was appointed defense minister in March, has not been seen in public since late August, fueling speculation about his fate. His removal followed a series of unexplained personnel changes in China's upper ranks, including the ousting of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang and two leaders from the PLA's Rocket Force. The abrupt dismissals have raised concerns about Xi's concentration of power and strict party discipline.
The removal of nine military figures from their positions in the NPC further fuels speculations about a broader purge in the Chinese military. This move comes as Xi continues his decade-long drive to crack down on corruption within the ranks of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The NPC is seen as an endorsement of one's political elite status, and previous corruption investigations have led to the removal of NPC delegates.
Among the military figures removed from their positions are former Rocket Force chief Li Yuchao and officials affiliated with the Equipment Development Department, the Air Force, and the Navy. The shake-up also appears to have affected the military-industrial complex, as executives from the aerospace sector had their positions revoked earlier this week.
China's government has remained tight-lipped about Li Shangfu's whereabouts and the reasons behind his removal. The Wall Street Journal reported that he was taken away by authorities for questioning in September, while the Financial Times stated that the U.S. government believes he is under investigation. However, no official corruption allegations have been made against any of the ousted officials.
The new defense minister, Dong Jun, previously served as the top commander of the PLA Navy since 2021. He was present at a recent ceremony where former submarine commander Hu Zhongming was promoted to admiral, indicating his high-ranking position within the military. Dong's appointment could facilitate the restoration of high-level defense dialogue between the U.S. and China, as top generals from both countries recently spoke for the first time in over a year.
In China, the defense minister is primarily a ceremonial role, representing the military in diplomatic engagements with other countries. The position does not hold command power, which resides with the Central Military Commission. However, the defense minister plays a crucial role in military diplomacy, and Dong's appointment could contribute to improving dialogue and relations between China and other nations.
The appointment of Dong Jun as China's new defense minister signals the ongoing changes and shake-ups within the military hierarchy. As Xi Jinping continues to consolidate power and enforce party discipline, his leadership style and the opacity of China's political system face scrutiny both domestically and internationally.