 "Why China's defence ministers have been in the dock for 'corruption'")
China’s anti-corruption campaign has rocked the upper echelons of its military, with Defence Minister Dong Jun becoming the latest in a string of top officials investigated for alleged misconduct.
Dong Jun, appointed as defence minister in December 2023, is now under investigation for corruption, reported the Financial Times. This marks the third consecutive Chinese defence minister to face such allegations.
Chinese defence ministers targeted?
Before Dong, Li Shangfu was removed from office in September 2023 after just seven months in the role and expelled from the Communist Party in June 2024 for “serious violations of discipline.” His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, also faced similar accusations and was ousted in March 2023.
The Communist Party’s official statement on Li and Wei described their actions as betraying the party’s trust, polluting the political environment, and damaging the military’s image. Both were accused of accepting substantial bribes and using their influence to benefit others.
Dong, a former chief of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, took charge of military diplomacy during his tenure and oversaw an unprecedented thaw in US-China military relations. However, in an unexpected turn, he declined to meet US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin during a Laos defence ministers’ meeting, citing US actions over Taiwan .
Dong’s omission from key positions like the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the State Council earlier this year now appears significant. Traditionally, China’s defence ministers are members of these powerful bodies.
Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign
Since 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping has intensified the anti-corruption campaign within the military. Over nine PLA generals and multiple defence industry executives have been removed, including high-ranking officers from the Rocket Force , a strategic unit managing China’s nuclear and conventional missiles.
One prominent case involved Sun Jinming, a senior Rocket Force official, who was dismissed for “grave violations of party discipline and laws.” Analysts suggest these purges are part of Xi’s broader strategy to eliminate corruption that could undermine military readiness.
Victor Shih, an expert on Chinese elite politics, told AFP, “Dong likely had authority over tens of billions in procurement per year during his time in the navy. The intense competition for top positions can lead to cycles of arrests, new appointments, and further recriminations.”
The anti-corruption drive is emblematic of Xi Jinping’s focus on consolidating control and ensuring loyalty within the PLA . While Beijing has long grappled with the nexus of military leadership and business interests, the current wave of investigations signals an unprecedented level of intensity.
Does this affect China’s war-preparedness?
The crackdown is not without controversy. Some experts argue it could weaken the military’s morale and operational capability. Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University, told AFP, “If the corruption probe into Dong Jun is true, then it is normal that people will question if it will erode morale and affect the PLA’s warfighting capabilities.”
The growing scrutiny of the Rocket Force is especially notable given its role in China’s strategic deterrence. US officials have raised concerns that corruption in procurement and leadership could hinder China’s ability to wage a future war.
China’s foreign ministry has yet to comment on the investigation into Dong, while official state media has maintained silence. If confirmed, Dong’s investigation would underline systemic issues in China’s military hierarchy despite years of purges aimed at addressing corruption.
Not only Chinese defence ministers
China’s political landscape has been shaken by more than just its defence ministers. Over a year since the mysterious disappearance of former Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the Chinese government continues to remain silent on his fate.
Recent reports, including one by The Washington Post, claim that Qin has avoided imprisonment and is now holding a nominal position at the World Affairs Press, a state-owned publishing house under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to two former US government officials cited in the report, Qin’s current role is purely symbolic, with one stating, “He’s not going to jail, but his career is over.” The 58-year-old was once celebrated as the youngest foreign minister since the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
His abrupt removal from public life in July 2023 fuelled a flurry of theories, ranging from imprisonment to suicide. Speculation also linked his disappearance to an alleged affair with Fu Xiaotian , a Chinese journalist rumoured to have shared state secrets with foreign intelligence agencies.
The handling of Qin Gang’s disappearance, like the ongoing corruption probes within the military, has put a spotlight the CCP’s unpredictable and often opaque approach to managing internal dissent and misconduct.
Also Read | One China versus many Chinas: Time to bust the myth to deal effectively with the Dragon
With inputs from agencies
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