The National Times - China investigates defence minister for corruption: report

Weather - Sydney 21°C

China investigates defence minister for corruption: report

POLITICS 27.11.2024

China investigates defence minister for corruption: report / Photo: © AFP

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has been placed under investigation for corruption, a report said Wednesday, the latest official to fall in a sweeping crackdown on graft in the country's military.

Change text size:

Citing current and former US officials familiar with the situation, British newspaper the Financial Times said the investigation into Dong was part of that broader probe into military corruption.

Neither Beijing's foreign ministry nor its embassy in Washington replied to AFP's request for confirmation on Wednesday morning.

A former navy commander, Dong was appointed defence minister in December last year following the surprise removal of Li Shangfu just seven months into the job.

Li was later expelled from the ruling Communist Party for offences including suspected bribery, state media said.

His predecessor, Wei Fenghe, was also kicked out of the party and passed on to prosecutors over alleged corruption.

Beijing has deepened a crackdown on alleged graft in the armed forces over the past year, with President Xi Jinping this month ordering the military to stamp out corruption and strengthen their "war-preparedness".

D.Kelly--TNT

Featured

Senators Push for Sports Betting Ad Ban as Bill S-211 Advances

Legislation seeking to restrict sports betting advertising is advancing through Canada’s Parliament, driven by concerns over the impact of marketing on young people. Bill S-211, which calls for a national regulatory framework, has passed the Senate and is awaiting final House of Commons votes amid debates over federal versus provincial jurisdiction.

Arlington sentinel rebukes Pete Hegseth entourage for laughter near memorial

A US Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery instructed members of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s entourage to remain silent after laughter was heard during a Veterans Day visit.

Colombia's Foreign Minister Omar Bula Apologizes to US Democrats for Past Social Media Remarks

Colombian Foreign Minister Omar Bula has publicly apologized to members of the United States Democratic Party for offensive comments he previously made on social media. The diplomatic move aims to separate the current Colombian government’s foreign policy from Bula’s past political rhetoric, particularly following significant Democratic victories in the recent US midterm elections.

Zelenskyy arrives in Dublin for meetings on Ukraine and peace efforts

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is holding a bilateral meeting with President Zelenskyy this evening Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has landed in Dublin and here he will meet US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

Change text size: