BEIJING: China named Dong Jun as its new defence minister on Friday (Dec 29) to replace the last minister who disappeared four months ago.
The appointment by Chinese lawmakers comes as President Xi Jinping upgrades the military as part of his push to make China a dominant world power, a goal that has alarmed many neighbours.
The role of China’s defence minister is to be the public face of the People’s Liberation Army in its engagement with the media and with other militaries.
Unlike other countries, the ministry has little say in defence policy or military management, areas that fall under the purview of Central Military Commission, an elite group led by Xi.
Dong, 62, was most recently the People’s Liberation Army Navy chief. He replaces Li Shangfu, who took up the defence minister job in March but had not been seen in public since Aug 25.
Reuters cited sources to report that Li was under investigation for corruption related to equipment procurement and development.
Beijing has not explained Li’s disappearance but stripped him of his title as defence minister and state councillor in October.