The PRC Defense Ministry has a new chief following a more than twomonth gap. On December 29, 2023, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) appointed Admiral Dong Jun as the 14th minister of national defense for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). His appointment filled a position that had been vacant since former defense minister General Li Shangfu’s dismissal, which to date has not been officially explained. The official readout of a late October NPCSC meeting stated that Li was removed from his posts as state councilor and national defense minister without elaborating on any factor(s) that contributed to this outcome.
Defense Minister Dong’s appointment is noteworthy because it is the first time that a PLA Navy (PLAN) officer has been named China’s defense minister.
