China appoints Dong Jun as new defence minister: State media

Dong Jun has been named China's new defence minister, state news agency Xinhua has reported, assuming the post left vacant due to the firing of Li Shangfu in October.

Xinhua said the appointment of Dong, whowas commander of the Chinese Navy,was finalised at a meeting of standing committee of China's National People's Congress.

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Li Shangfu's removal was one in a series of high-level sackings in Chinese military.In recent months, there also have been leadership overhauls in the country's secretive Rocket Force. This is a unit of the Chinese Army that oversees Beijing's nuclear arsenal. The changes were madefollowingreportsof corruption.

Chinese defence minister is often the public face of the People's Liberation Army when it comes to media representation and dealing with other forces.

A crucial part of the job is engaging with the US military in order to lower the risk of conflict over Taiwan and issues in the South China Sea, two flashpoints to which Dong, 62, is no stranger.

China claims Taiwan to be its own territory and has not ruled out use of force to recapture the self-governing island nation despite being backed by US, the biggest international supporterof Taiwan.

China also claims the entireSouth China Sea as its own based on ancient claims. This has created disputes with Southeast Asian nations.

Before becoming the People's Liberation Army Navy chief and being made a full general in 2021, Dong Junwas vice commander of the East Sea Fleet, the backbone of what is now the Eastern Theatre Command - the main force responsible for fighting over Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies)