China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun is reportedly under investigation as part of a far-reaching anti-corruption probe, according to the Financial Times (FT). If confirmed, Dong would become the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defence minister to be implicated in corruption allegations, a revelation that underscores the sweeping nature of Beijing’s ongoing efforts to root out graft in its military and defence sectors.
The report, published on Wednesday, November 27, cites current and former U.S. officials. Major news outlets including Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP) have reached out to China’s foreign ministry for comments, but Beijing has yet to issue an official response.
Dong’s investigation follows a troubling pattern for China’s defence leadership. His predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed from his post in October 2023 after just seven months on the job. Before Li, former defence minister Wei Fenghe was similarly expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) earlier this year for “serious violations of discipline,” a term frequently used as a euphemism for corruption.
Dong, who previously served as chief of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, was appointed as China’s defence minister in December 2023. His tenure coincided with a gradual thaw in military relations between the U.S. and China, marked by high-level discussions such as theatre-level commander talks in September 2024.
Despite this progress, Dong’s refusal to meet U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defence ministers in Laos earlier this month hinted at lingering tensions. Citing U.S. policies over Taiwan as the reason for his absence, Dong’s move drew criticism from Austin, who described it as “unfortunate.”
Unlike his predecessors, Dong did not ascend to membership in China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) during a major Communist Party plenum earlier this year. He was also left out of the State Council during the government reshuffle in March. These omissions raised eyebrows, given that the defence minister typically holds a seat on the CMC—a six-member body led by Chinese President Xi Jinping—and the State Council, China’s highest executive organ.
President Xi Jinping has significantly intensified his anti-corruption campaign within the military, a key pillar of his leadership. Since last year, nine PLA generals and at least four aerospace defence executives have been ousted from their positions within the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body.
Xi’s drive to eliminate corruption in the military is part of a broader effort to enhance the PLA’s combat readiness. Speaking earlier this month, Xi emphasized the importance of stamping out corruption, framing it as vital to strengthening the military’s preparedness for potential conflicts.
Dong’s potential fall from grace mirrors that of his immediate predecessors. Li Shangfu, who served as defence minister from March to October 2023, was accused of receiving substantial bribes and offering kickbacks during his tenure. According to state media, Li allegedly took bribes both for himself and on behalf of others, a practice that undermined confidence in the Ministry of Defence.
Wei Fenghe, who held the position from 2018 to 2023, has largely disappeared from public view since being replaced during a cabinet reshuffle. As the former head of the PLA Rocket Force, Wei was considered instrumental in China’s strategic missile development. However, he, too, was expelled from the CCP in June for alleged corruption.
China’s military anti-corruption campaign, which began years ago, has intensified under Xi’s leadership. The initiative has targeted high-ranking officials in an effort to dismantle entrenched networks of graft. The PLA, one of the largest standing armies in the world, has long faced challenges in maintaining accountability and transparency within its ranks.
The recent crackdown has extended to the aerospace and defence industries, with several executives removed or investigated for corruption. Analysts note that corruption within the defence sector not only poses risks to military efficiency but also jeopardizes China’s broader geopolitical and economic ambitions.
Dong’s potential removal would further highlight the political vulnerabilities within China’s defence establishment. The defence ministry’s role as a conduit for military diplomacy makes these investigations particularly consequential, as they come at a time when China is striving to project strength and stability on the international stage.
Dong’s tenure briefly saw a revival of dialogue between the U.S. and China, a critical component of stabilizing tensions between the two superpowers. However, the reported investigation into Dong may hinder future diplomatic efforts, particularly as Washington has increasingly criticized Beijing’s lack of transparency in its military decision-making.
The Pentagon has repeatedly sought greater engagement with its Chinese counterparts, emphasizing the importance of clear communication to avoid miscalculations, especially concerning Taiwan. Dong’s absence from recent talks with Austin could foreshadow further stagnation in U.S.-China military relations.
The Chinese public has yet to see a detailed explanation for Dong’s situation, reflecting the opaque nature of Beijing’s political and military processes. State media, which often serves as the CCP’s mouthpiece, has remained silent on the matter. This silence has left room for speculation, both domestically and internationally, about the extent and implications of corruption within the military.
Xi’s consolidation of power has been closely tied to his anti-corruption campaign, which he has framed as essential for safeguarding the CCP’s legitimacy. However, the repeated investigations and removals of top military officials could also be perceived as evidence of systemic issues within the PLA. Critics argue that while the campaign signals Xi’s determination to root out wrongdoing, it may also expose vulnerabilities in his governance.
