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27. 11. 2024, 10.35
Updated: November 27, 2024, 10:41 a.m
Dong Jun is the third consecutive Chinese defense minister to be investigated for corruption.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun found himself at the center of an anti-corruption investigation that is shaking up the highest levels of the People’s Liberation Army, reports the Financial Times. Jun is the third consecutive Chinese defense minister to be investigated for corruption.
A large-scale purge in the army
Jun, 61, a former Chinese navy commander, was appointed defense minister in December 2023. His predecessor Li Shangfu he had to leave his position surprisingly after only seven months of service. According to Reuters, China’s military has been undergoing a massive anti-corruption purge since last year.
At least nine generals and several defense industry leaders have been “removed” to date. The purge was said to be the result of the president’s fear Xi Jinpingathat bribery could affect China’s ability to participate in a possible future war.
Ignored in appointments
Earlier this year, Jun was not appointed to the six-member Central Military Commission (CMC), China’s highest military body, during the Communist Party of China (CCP) grand plenum, although the defense minister is traditionally a member of the CMC as well as the State Council, to which he was also not appointed during the March plenum. reconstruction of the government, reminds Reuters.
Precursor expelled from the party
Both of Jun’s predecessors, Shangfu and Wei Fenghewere expelled from the Communist Party in June for “serious disciplinary violations,” a euphemism for corruption. According to the CCP’s statement, they betrayed the trust of the party and the Central Military Commission and caused great damage to the reputation of the party and its top leaders. Shangfu has not been seen in public since.
Source: svet24.si
