China has revealed the appointment of a new defense minister, Dong Jun, following the removal of the previous office holder, Li Shangfu, two months ago.

The announcement was made by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Dong Jun, aged 62, formerly served as the chief of China's navy. This development coincides with the removal of three senior executives from the aerospace defense industry from a top advisory body to the Chinese Communist Party.

Li Shangfu was officially ousted as the Defense Minister in late October, and he has not made any public appearances since August 25. It is believed that he is currently the subject of a corruption investigation concerning the acquisition of military equipment. Li previously served as the head of the military equipment procurement department of the Central Military Commission from 2017 to 2022.

 China removes nine military officials from parliament

China has also removed nine military officials, including four generals from the army's strategic missile unit, from its parliament.

Following the removal of Defense Minister Li Shangfu, a set of significant changes in the military's top echelons was made, culminating in the expulsion of these officials. This decision marked a comprehensive restructuring at the highest levels of the military establishment.

In the past few months, there has been a restructuring of leadership within China's covert Rocket Force, responsible for managing Beijing's nuclear weapons, prompted by media disclosures of a corruption investigation involving its former head. The nine officials expelled from the National People's Congress on Friday held non-elected seats in the parliament. Their removal reportedly indicated an ongoing investigation into these officers.

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