China’s Defense Minister, Dong Junhas been placed under investigation as part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption probe that has roiled the top ranks of the People’s Liberation Army, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
Dong is the third consecutive Chinese defense minister, current or former minister, to be investigated for alleged corruption, the FT reported, citing current and former US officials.
When asked about the FT report at a daily press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the report was “chasing shadows.”
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China’s Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to China’s requests for comment. Reuters.
China’s military has been undergoing a sweeping anti-corruption process since last year, with at least nine PLA generals and some defense executives removed from the national legislative body so far.
Dong, a former navy chief, was appointed defense minister in December 2023. His predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed after seven months in office.
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Last week, Dong refused to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during a meeting of defense ministers in Laos, citing U.S. actions toward Taiwan, a move the Pentagon chief said Wednesday Monday to be unhappy.
