China Dismisses Corruption Claims Against Defense Minister, Sparking Speculation of Military Power Struggles

Dong Jun, who was appointed defense minister last December, is reportedly placed under investigation for corruption.

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun attends the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on June 2, 2024. Nhac Nguyen/ AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese regime has rejected claims that its defense minister, Adm. Dong Jun, is under investigation for corruption. Experts say the emergence of such speculations signals brewing power struggles within the Chinese military.

“It’s just shadow chasing,” Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, told reporters on Nov. 27 when asked about the purported investigation into Dong.