In a formal session, China’s parliament approved Dong Jun for the role of defense minister, marking a significant reshuffle in the country’s military leadership. The approval, reported by Xinhua, marks a turning point as officials confirm Dong Jun’s new duties and responsibilities within the Ministry of National Defense. After the vote, the decision was formalized during the meeting, making the appointment official and public. This move elevates Dong Jun, who has led the People’s Liberation Army Navy as Commander-in-Chief since 2021, to the top civilian-military post overseeing national defense policy and administration.
The shift comes amid broader changes at the top of China’s defense establishment. Li Shangfu, who previously held the dual roles of chairman of the Ministry of Defense and State Councilor, faced suspension from both positions on October 24. The timing of his departure coincides with ongoing organizational adjustments and reviews within the defense ministry and broader leadership circles. The government has signaled a commitment to ensuring continuity in defense governance while exploring new directions for strategic priorities and alignment with broader national security goals.
In the autumn session, attention turned to the cabinet as three ministerial posts were described as temporarily vacant or undergoing transition. Among those cited were Liu Kun, the Minister of Finance, and Wang Zhigang, the Minister of Science and Technology. Both ministers had been serving in the government since March 2018, with Liu Kun’s powers renewed for an additional five-year term. Simultaneously, Li Shangfu’s tenure as defense minister has been notably shorter, spanning seven months, underscoring the rapid pace of leadership changes within critical ministries during this period.
Beyond the leadership changes at the center, observers noted a recent uptick in activity in cross-strait military dynamics. Reports from Taiwan indicate a record level of Chinese military flights in a recent period, reflecting heightened signaling and posture as regional security considerations evolve. Analysts emphasize that such movements are closely watched by regional partners and allied observers who seek to interpret Beijing’s broader strategic aims in the Asia-Pacific theatre. This context adds complexity to the responsibilities awaiting Dong Jun as he assumes the defense portfolio and works to balance rapid modernization with maintaining regional stability.
Overall, the transition underscores China’s ongoing emphasis on strengthening centralized control over national defense while pursuing modernization and readiness across the PLA. Dong Jun’s prior leadership of the Navy provides a wartime-tested perspective to the ministry, and his new remit is expected to integrate naval capabilities with air, land, and space domains under a unified command framework. As Beijing continues to articulate its defense posture and regional strategy, the new leadership team will be tasked with navigating a dynamic security environment, coordinating with civilian authorities, and ensuring coherent implementation of national defense policies across the PLA’s broad spectrum of forces.