Official announcements from the Chinese government or credible news sources such as the Financial Times

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun, 3rd in Row, Faces Corruption Probe; Miao Hua Suspended

Nov 28, 2024, 07:33 AM

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun, the 6th highest-ranking officer in the PLA, is reportedly under investigation for corruption, according to the Financial Times. This investigation is part of a broader probe into graft within the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which has already seen two of Dong's predecessors ousted for similar reasons. The scandal appears to extend beyond the PLARF/EDD issues that led to the downfall of Li Shangfu. Despite these reports, China's Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Mao Ning, has dismissed the allegations against Dong as 'shadow-chasing', suggesting they are baseless. Concurrently, the Chinese government has confirmed the suspension of Miao Hua, a high-ranking military official and director of the Political Work Department on the Central Military Commission, for 'serious violations of discipline', typically indicative of corruption issues. This development comes amidst a sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the Chinese military, highlighting ongoing efforts to address graft at the highest levels. Dong's investigation might explain his refusal to meet with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week.