The Chinese Defence Minister, Dong Jun, is currently under investigation for corruption according to a report by the Financial Times. This investigation is part of a broader probe into military corruption in China. Dong Jun would be the third Chinese defence minister in a row to face such allegations if confirmed.
Dong Jun, a former navy commander, was appointed as defence minister in December after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed from the position due to suspected bribery. Li was later expelled from the ruling Communist Party. Dong Jun’s predecessor, Wei Fenghe, also faced corruption allegations and was removed from his position.
The crackdown on corruption in the Chinese military has intensified over the past year, with President Xi Jinping ordering the military to stamp out corruption and strengthen its “war-preparedness”. This anti-graft drive has been driven by concerns that corruption may affect China’s ability to wage war in the future.
The Rocket Force, which oversees China’s strategic missile arsenal, has been under intense scrutiny. In July, a top official in the Rocket Force, Sun Jinming, was placed under investigation for corruption. Sun was expelled from the Communist Party and investigated for “grave violations of party discipline and laws”. Other high-ranking officers connected to the Rocket Force have also been removed for graft.
Experts suggest that Dong Jun likely had authority over significant procurement funds during his time in the navy. The competition for top positions in the military is intense, leading to potential mutual recriminations between officers and cycles of arrests, appointments, and recriminations.
If the corruption allegations against Dong Jun are true, there may be concerns about the impact on morale and the warfighting capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The military’s ability to function effectively and maintain readiness could be compromised by corruption within its ranks.
As China continues its crackdown on military corruption, it remains to be seen how these actions will affect the PLA’s operations and overall effectiveness. The government’s efforts to root out graft in the armed forces are crucial for maintaining a strong and capable military in the face of evolving security challenges.
