In recent weeks, rumors surrounding the fate of Chinese Minister of National Defense, Dong Jun, have been circulating amidst a massive cleanup within the Chinese Communist Party’s military. Speculations have been on the rise, with reports claiming that Dong Jun has been relieved of his duties and is under investigation.
According to a recent disclosure by commentator Cai Shenkun on December 25, 2025, Dong Jun has been stripped of his position as Minister of National Defense, although he has retained the rank of general. The decision on whether to further investigate him remains to be seen, with the possibility of even stripping him of his general rank.
Cai Shenkun commented that the treatment of high-ranking military officials at present usually involves monetary settlements if there are no significant political issues involved. Generals may be demoted to lower ranks such as brigade or battalion commanders. Many of these cases are kept under wraps and handled discreetly.
On the same day, the self-media outlet “Shanhe Dongfu” revealed during a program that a Communist Party of China (CPC) Politburo meeting held on December 25 discussed various matters, including the dismissal of Dong Jun from his position as Minister of National Defense.
Another self-media outlet, “Houge Chat,” reported on December 22 that the CPC Military Commission had decided to expel Dong Jun from military service, revoke his naval general title, and initiate a disciplinary investigation into his misconduct.
Renowned political scientist Liu Junning disclosed on December 18 that a new Minister of Defense for the CPC is expected to be appointed in early January 2026. Additionally, on December 11, Liu Junning revealed that Air Force Commander Chang Dingqiu, a general, passed away unexpectedly due to a heart attack during a period of “retained interrogation” by the military discipline inspection committee.
Political commentator Jiang Wangzheng, known for disclosing high-level CPC movements, stated on December 12 that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had officially launched an investigation into Dong Jun and Liu Zhenli. Both individuals are suspected of holding significant assets in Hong Kong, according to Jiang. He also warned that their appearances at central economic work conferences do not guarantee their safety.
Dong Jun’s most recent public appearance was on December 22 at a promotion ceremony of naval generals held by the CPC Military Commission. Official news footage showed that only four generals attended the ceremony: Zhang Youxia, Zhang Shenmin, Liu Zhenli, and Dong Jun, with Dong Jun being the only one seated in the audience.
Dong Jun, born in 1961 in Yantai, Shandong Province, has a connection to Xi Jinping’s wife, Peng Liyuan, as they both hail from Shandong. Dong Jun has a long history of working in the Chinese Navy. His rapid rise began when he was promoted to Rear Admiral and subsequently to Admiral, followed by a series of promotions to positions such as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Deputy Commander of the Southern Theater Command, Deputy Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Navy, and finally Minister of National Defense.
Assuming the role of Minister of National Defense in December 2023, Dong Jun has not been appointed as a member of the Military Commission or the State Council, defying the usual protocol. Reports of him being under investigation have surfaced multiple times after the issues surrounding Military Commission member Miao Hua arose.
On November 26, 2024, the UK’s Financial Times cited sources from current and former American officials, reporting a corruption scandal within the leadership of the Chinese military and an investigation into Dong Jun. Following denials from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense, Dong Jun made several public appearances.
In January 2025, General Liu Zhenli, a member of the Chinese Military Commission and Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department of the Military Commission, visited Malaysia and Indonesia. Some observers speculate that his visit may have been in place of Minister of National Defense Dong Jun, or to confirm constraints on Dong Jun’s movement.
After the conclusion of the “two sessions” in 2025, on March 14, Premier of the State Council Li Qiang presided over a meeting with all members of the State Council, during which Minister of National Defense Dong Jun was noticeably absent. On March 26, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense hosted the first Shanghai Cooperation Organization international military cooperation department meeting in Qingdao, Shandong Province, with Dong Jun, as Minister of National Defense, being absent, sparking further speculation.
Retired Navy Lieutenant Colonel Yao Cheng revealed on November 28, 2024, through a self-media channel, information obtained from sources within the Chinese military. He mentioned a joint investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Military Commission for Discipline Inspection into the issues related to Miao Hua, focusing on Navy personnel and those from the Eastern Theater Command. Former Navy political commissars Qin Shengxiang and Yuan Huazhi, alongside Minister of National Defense Dong Jun, provided testimony unfavorable to Miao Hua. As of now, they remain living in the Navy compound and have not been arrested.
However, on October 17, 2025, Yuan Huazhi, along with eight other generals including He Weidong and Miao Hua, were publicly announced to have fallen from grace. Reports of Qin Shengxiang’s arrest surfaced once again overseas on July 29, 2025, and his absence at the CPC’s “August 1st” reception on July 31 seemed to confirm his downfall.
Serving as the Navy Commander from August 2021 to December 2023, Dong Jun worked closely with two former Navy political commissars, Qin Shengxiang and Yuan Huazhi. With ongoing rumors of his dismissal and investigation, it appears that Dong Jun’s future remains uncertain with possibly troubled times ahead.