China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation for corruption, British newspaper Financial Times (FT) reported on Wednesday.
If confirmed, Dong would be the third consecutive serving or former Chinese defense minister to be investigated for alleged corruption.
According to FT, the investigation was part of a broader probe into military corruption.
Last week, Dong declined to meet US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defense ministers in Laos, citing US actions over Taiwan.
Third defense minister investigated
China’s military has undergone a sweeping anti-corruption purge since last year.
Dong, a former navy commander, was appointed defense minister in December following the surprise removal of Li Shangfu just seven months into the job.
Li was later expelled from the Communist Party for offenses including suspected bribery, according to Chinese state media.
He has since not been seen in public.
His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, too, was kicked out from the party over alleged corruption.
Beijing has deepened its crackdown on corruption in its armed forces over the past year.
It comes amid fears that graft may affect China’s ability to wage a future war, Bloomberg reported citing US officials this year.
ftm/sri (Reuters, AFP)
China investigates defense minister for corruption — report – DW – 11/27/2024
Ukrainian drone strikes kill three and destroy Wildberries warehouse in Tambov
Ukrainian drone strikes have resulted in at least three fatalities across Russia, with a significant fire destroying the Wildberries logistics centre in Tambov. Governor Yevgeny
Anwar Ibrahim highlights Malaysia’s non-aligned stance in Taiwan remarks
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on Taiwan, describing it as “part of China,” have ignited debate regarding Malaysia’s non-aligned stance. His comments garnered approval