China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun is under investigation for corruption, spotlighting systemic issues in the PLA amid Xi Jinping’s anti-graft campaign.

China’s defence minister Dong Jun is under investigation for corruption, marking a significant development in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign led by President Xi Jinping. If confirmed, Dong would become the third consecutive Chinese defense minister implicated in corruption, underscoring deep-seated issues within China’s military ranks and defense sectors. The probe is part of a broader initiative to root out corruption in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a key pillar of Xi’s governance agenda.

Dong Jun and China’s Military Corruption Crisis

Dong Jun, former chief of the PLA Navy, was appointed as China’s defense minister in December 2023. He succeeded Li Shangfu, who was sacked after just seven months, and Wei Fenghe, who also had corruption charges against him. The trend is quite alarming and depicts the expansion of Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive that has covered senior officers from the military and space sectors.

Investigation of Dong Jun and previous accusations of his predecessors speak to systemic problems within the PLA. Reports indicate that Li and Wei were expelled from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for “serious violations of discipline,” with crimes ranging from bribery to the misuse of power. The Rocket Force, a strategic branch led by Wei once upon a time, has also had themselves involved in corruption scandals.

Xi Jinping’s Anti-Corruption Campaign and its Military Focus

President Xi Jinping has presented himself as the guardian of integrity inside the CCP and started a campaign of grand anti-corruption a few years after becoming the president of China in 2012. Last year, the campaign accelerated inside the military sector. Nine generals in the People’s Liberation Army, among other people in key positions in the aerospace defense department, lost their powers.

Xi’s crackdown aims to enhance war preparedness and discipline in China’s military. In a speech earlier this month, he emphasized the need to eliminate graft and strengthen the PLA’s capabilities. However, these repeated scandals point to the challenges of eradicating deeply entrenched corruption, even under Xi’s centralized leadership.

Dong Jun’s Role and Omission from Key Posts

This defense minister of China was one member of the Central Military Commission and the State Council excluded from critical positions during the reshuffles recently. This means that there is probably growing skepticism over his leadership before he comes into an investigation.

His tenure also involved attempts to reestablish military-to-military relations with the United States, an area where tensions over Taiwan and strategic competition have strained relations. Although he allowed talks in September 2024, his refusal to meet US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in Laos earlier this month raised eyebrows and showed the geopolitical complexities tied to his role.

Implications of PLA Corruption for China’s Military Goals

The repeated allegations of corruption among China’s defense ministers are a sign of weaknesses in the PLA. These issues can easily undermine the military’s operational efficiency and the broader goals of technological advancement and strategic dominance. The Rocket Force, which is responsible for the nuclear and missile arsenal of China, is critical, and corruption within its ranks could jeopardize national security.

The Broader Context of Anti-Corruption in China

China’s anti-corruption campaign goes beyond the army, targeting officials in different fields to strengthen governance and restore public trust. Critics of the campaign, however, argue that it has dual aims: to address legitimate concerns about corruption while consolidating power for Xi Jinping.

The investigation into Dong Jun reflects both progress and persistent challenges in Xi’s mission to clean up the PLA. As China continues its pursuit of military modernization, rooting out corruption will be essential for maintaining internal stability and achieving its strategic ambitions.

Conclusion

Dong Jun’s report marks another episode in China’s war against military corruption as a portent of the overall power of the country. While Xi Jinping continues intensifying his anti-corruption drive, the spotlight on PLA’s internal dynamics remains sharper than ever, and all these speak to the requirement of systemic reform to solve the root causes of corruption in China’s armed forces.