In China, the third consecutive defense minister is under suspicion of corruption: what consequences await him?

The new Chinese Defense Minister, Dong Jun, has become a central figure in a large-scale anti-corruption investigation. This initiative was launched by China's leader, Xi Jinping, within the upper echelons of the People's Liberation Army. Dong may face the death penalty.

According to the Financial Times, citing current and former U.S. officials, the investigation is part of a broad anti-corruption campaign led by Xi Jinping targeting the upper ranks of the PLA. Admiral Dong was appointed to his position in December 2023, following the dismissal of his predecessor, General Li Shangfu, who was removed due to corruption allegations after just seven months in office. Furthermore, the individual who served as China's defense minister prior to Li was also embroiled in a corruption scandal. Dong's candidacy was personally selected by Xi Jinping.

The anti-corruption investigations extend beyond just defense ministers. They have also implicated two former commanders of the missile forces responsible for China's nuclear program.

"American officers and officials suggest that the investigations into the PLA undermine Xi's trust in his military and raise concerns about whether it can develop the capability for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027 — a goal set by the Chinese president," the article states.

It is important to understand that, unlike the role of the Secretary of Defense in the U.S. government, the Defense Minister in China is not the most influential military figure in the Chinese system, which is led by the vice-chairmen of the Central Military Commission. The Defense Minister serves as the international face of the PLA.

For reference: In the People's Republic of China, corruption-related crimes can carry the death penalty. According to human rights organizations, in 2018, more than 16,000 people were executed in China for corruption-related offenses. The death penalty is applied in China more frequently than in any other country, although official statistics have yet to provide an exact number of those executed (estimated at around 15,000 annually).

As reported by "Telegraph," U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated that China, despite attempts to appear calm, is very concerned about the strengthening ties between the two regimes — Russia and North Korea. Beijing is experiencing serious discomfort due to the friendship between Moscow and Pyongyang.