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Dong Jun

Admiral Dong Jun was appointed as China’s defence minister in December 2023, after his predecessor Li Shangfu was sacked months after he took up the role. Dong is the country’s first defence minister with a navy background. He has yet to be given the rank of state councillor or a seat on the decision-making Central Military Commission, roles that all previous defence ministers have taken on.

Born

1961

Industry

Politics, Military

Job Title

Minister of National Defense, China

Taiwan

US invites Taiwan KMT chief to Washington, stresses top priority to ‘avoid war’

De facto ambassador Raymond Greene meets opposition party’s new chairwoman two weeks after the Xi-Trump summit in Busan.

13 Nov 2025 - 8:00PM

China-South Korea relations

US-China rivalry leaves Asia walking G2 tightrope

3 Nov 2025 - 5:00PM

US-China relations

China, US to revive military channels but more steps deemed essential for trust

2 Nov 2025 - 9:15PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Beijing criticises new Japanese PM Takaichi for meeting Taiwanese official

Sanae Takaichi posted photos of herself meeting adviser Lin Hsin-i on the sidelines of Apec summit in South Korea.

2 Nov 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Lin Hsin-i, Taiwan’s presidential adviser, on Friday and Saturday, according to X posts. Photo: Sanae Takaichi

SCMP Highlights

US-China defence talks, C919 jet’s global win in Brunei: SCMP daily highlights

From a Washington-Beijing defence meeting to a robotics expert leaving Sweden for China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

31 Oct 2025 - 9:15PM

US-China relations

US does not seek conflict, Hegseth says in meeting with Chinese defence minister

A day after the Xi-Trump summit in South Korea, defence chiefs meet in Malaysia – and this time Taiwan is on the agenda.

31 Oct 2025 - 7:36PMvideocam

US-China relations

Beijing issues paper on Taiwan, rebukes West for ‘gross violation’ of global order

In marking anniversary of founding of People’s Republic, Beijing’s position paper confirms support for Resolution 2758, approved in 1971.

1 Oct 2025 - 7:49PMvideocam

On Tuesday, Beijing’s foreign ministry published a position paper stating: “Taiwan is part of China, not a sovereign state; it therefore has no right to send representatives to the UN.” Photo: Getty Images/AFP

China-Middle East relations

Iran recalls envoys to UK, France, Germany after China-backed UN proposal fails

Vote clearing way for sanctions prompts Beijing to warn of ‘breakdown’ in nuclear issue that could ‘trigger a new regional security crisis’.

27 Sep 2025 - 8:14PMvideocam

US-China relations

US lawmaker in China warns lack of communication between militaries is dangerous

Conversation is crucial so ‘we don’t stumble into any sort of conflict’, Adam Smith of US House Armed Services Committee says.

23 Sep 2025 - 3:58PMvideocam

US-China relations

Chinese defence minister urges US to promote ‘constructive’ cooperation

Dong Jun tells members of the House Armed Services Committee they should promote ‘stable and sustainable’ relations between the two militaries.

23 Sep 2025 - 12:58AMvideocam

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun meets members of the US Congress on Monday. Photo: EPA

China-India relations

Why Japan is worried about the decline in US ties with India

Japanese defence researcher warns that China could capitalise on tensions between partners.

20 Sep 2025 - 4:57PMvideocam

Japan is concerned about declining US interest in alliances such as the Quad, a Japanese defence researcher says. Photo: AFP

US-China trade war

Trump-Xi call, Nvidia China pressure, Zijin Gold IPO

This week: US-China trade deal is ‘pretty close’ ahead of Trump-Xi call, China clamps down on Nvidia chips, Chinese economic data worsens. Next week: Zijin Gold closes books on IPO, Chery Auto starts trading, PBOC announces rates, and more.

19 Sep 2025 - 5:00PM

China-India relations

South China Sea disputes ‘no business’ of India, former navy commander says

But retired vice-admiral Shekhar Sinha calls out Chinese actions in the waterway, saying big countries ‘should be a little more magnanimous’.

19 Sep 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

Chinese defence minister’s speech, US Fed cuts rates: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s job market woes to the US Fed cutting interest rates, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

18 Sep 2025 - 9:15PM

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun looks on during Beijing Xiangshan Forum on September 18. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

Can a Xi-Trump phone call deliver an off-ramp from US-China tensions?

Following the TikTok deal, experts watch for signals that could set the stage for further engagement ahead of possible summit.

18 Sep 2025 - 9:01PMvideocam

After recent high-level meetings between US and Chinese delegations, all eyes will be on further signs of engagement following an expected phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: AP

US-China relations

China’s defence chief slams Western ‘bullying’, rallies regional allies

At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dong Jun says world is at a crossroads between peace or war, urges countries to make the ‘right choice’.

18 Sep 2025 - 11:21PMvideocam

China's military weapons

Takeaways from Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun’s speech at Xiangshan Forum

Taiwan, South China Sea, AI risks and global governance issues among China’s priorities, Dong tells forum.

18 Sep 2025 - 11:52AMvideocam

Taiwan

Dong Jun addresses Xiangshan Forum, as it happened – China a force for peace

Dong gave a keynote address at the three-day event, which focuses attention on security in the Asia-Pacific.

18 Sep 2025 - 9:59AM

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun addresses the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

China’s military

China will work with Singapore on regional stability, top military officer says

Beijing’s most senior general meets the Singaporean defence minister on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

18 Sep 2025 - 4:38AM

US-China relations

Exclusive | Trump’s China trip may hinge on jet and soybean deals, sources say

‘Significant progress’ made on plans since Beijing’s invitation to US leader for formal state visit, source says.

17 Sep 2025 - 9:06AMvideocam

US-China trade war

China, US trade delegations kick off fourth round of talks in Madrid

Amid continued trade tensions, top teams from world’s two largest economies are meeting in Madrid in their latest effort to reach a deal.

14 Sep 2025 - 8:51PMvideocam

Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng arrives for trade talks with the US delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (not pictured), at the Spanish foreign ministry in Madrid on Sunday. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

China tracks US, British warships on Taiwan Strait transit

The vessels followed in the wake of China’s latest aircraft carrier and Australian and Canadian ships.

13 Sep 2025 - 3:00PMvideocam

USS Higgins charted a course through the Taiwan Strait with a British destroyer this week. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP

US-China relations

Trump, a trail of diplomacy and a possible trip to China to resolve the trade war

Chinese and American officials met this week for meetings that could pave the way for a US-China summit.

11 Sep 2025 - 10:42PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Over 100 countries to send defence officials to China’s Xiangshan security forum

Defence Minister Dong Jun expected to give keynote speech at country’s largest security conference after missing Shangri-La Dialogue.

11 Sep 2025 - 7:23PM

China’s military drills

China, Vietnam set for first joint army drills, Beijing’s defence ministry says

Military ties have deepened in recent months as the close economic partners seek ways to navigate US tariffs.

20 Jul 2025 - 6:04PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam during a welcome ceremony for the Chinese leader in Hanoi on April 14. Photo: Pool via Reuters

Hong Kong

Letters | For Hong Kong’s mediation body to be on par with The Hague, more must be done

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s opportunity to cement its international status, the meaning of ‘like-minded’, the city’s long-term fiscal planning, and civil service exams.

8 Jul 2025 - 11:30AM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (centre left) and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee (centre right) attend the signing ceremony for the convention on the establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30. Photo: Nora Tam

US-China trade war

US-China trade breakthrough, Quad meeting in Washington and more

This week: US, China announce trade breakthrough and China’s premier opposes protectionism, Texas bans Chinese citizens from buying property. Next week: China reveals June factory activity, foreign ministers of US and key Indo-Pacific allies meet.

27 Jun 2025 - 5:42PM

Israel-Iran conflict

China hosts Iran defence minister and others on warship, condemns ‘hegemony’

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh tours Type 052D destroyer Kaifeng, thanks Beijing for ‘supporting Iran’s legitimate position’.

26 Jun 2025 - 7:15PMvideocam

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Dong Jun

US invites Taiwan KMT chief to Washington, stresses top priority to ‘avoid war’

De facto ambassador Raymond Greene meets opposition party’s new chairwoman two weeks after the Xi-Trump summit in Busan.

US-China rivalry leaves Asia walking G2 tightrope

China, US to revive military channels but more steps deemed essential for trust

Beijing criticises new Japanese PM Takaichi for meeting Taiwanese official

Sanae Takaichi posted photos of herself meeting adviser Lin Hsin-i on the sidelines of Apec summit in South Korea.

US-China defence talks, C919 jet’s global win in Brunei: SCMP daily highlights

From a Washington-Beijing defence meeting to a robotics expert leaving Sweden for China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

US does not seek conflict, Hegseth says in meeting with Chinese defence minister

A day after the Xi-Trump summit in South Korea, defence chiefs meet in Malaysia – and this time Taiwan is on the agenda.

Beijing issues paper on Taiwan, rebukes West for ‘gross violation’ of global order

In marking anniversary of founding of People’s Republic, Beijing’s position paper confirms support for Resolution 2758, approved in 1971.

Iran recalls envoys to UK, France, Germany after China-backed UN proposal fails

Vote clearing way for sanctions prompts Beijing to warn of ‘breakdown’ in nuclear issue that could ‘trigger a new regional security crisis’.

US lawmaker in China warns lack of communication between militaries is dangerous

Conversation is crucial so ‘we don’t stumble into any sort of conflict’, Adam Smith of US House Armed Services Committee says.

Chinese defence minister urges US to promote ‘constructive’ cooperation

Dong Jun tells members of the House Armed Services Committee they should promote ‘stable and sustainable’ relations between the two militaries.

Why Japan is worried about the decline in US ties with India

Japanese defence researcher warns that China could capitalise on tensions between partners.

Trump-Xi call, Nvidia China pressure, Zijin Gold IPO

This week: US-China trade deal is ‘pretty close’ ahead of Trump-Xi call, China clamps down on Nvidia chips, Chinese economic data worsens. Next week: Zijin Gold closes books on IPO, Chery Auto starts trading, PBOC announces rates, and more.

South China Sea disputes ‘no business’ of India, former navy commander says

But retired vice-admiral Shekhar Sinha calls out Chinese actions in the waterway, saying big countries ‘should be a little more magnanimous’.

Chinese defence minister’s speech, US Fed cuts rates: SCMP daily highlights

From China’s job market woes to the US Fed cutting interest rates, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Can a Xi-Trump phone call deliver an off-ramp from US-China tensions?

Following the TikTok deal, experts watch for signals that could set the stage for further engagement ahead of possible summit.

China’s defence chief slams Western ‘bullying’, rallies regional allies

At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Dong Jun says world is at a crossroads between peace or war, urges countries to make the ‘right choice’.

Takeaways from Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun’s speech at Xiangshan Forum

Taiwan, South China Sea, AI risks and global governance issues among China’s priorities, Dong tells forum.

Dong Jun addresses Xiangshan Forum, as it happened – China a force for peace

Dong gave a keynote address at the three-day event, which focuses attention on security in the Asia-Pacific.

China will work with Singapore on regional stability, top military officer says

Beijing’s most senior general meets the Singaporean defence minister on the sidelines of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Trump’s China trip may hinge on jet and soybean deals, sources say

‘Significant progress’ made on plans since Beijing’s invitation to US leader for formal state visit, source says.

China, US trade delegations kick off fourth round of talks in Madrid

Amid continued trade tensions, top teams from world’s two largest economies are meeting in Madrid in their latest effort to reach a deal.

China tracks US, British warships on Taiwan Strait transit

The vessels followed in the wake of China’s latest aircraft carrier and Australian and Canadian ships.

Trump, a trail of diplomacy and a possible trip to China to resolve the trade war

Chinese and American officials met this week for meetings that could pave the way for a US-China summit.

Over 100 countries to send defence officials to China’s Xiangshan security forum

Defence Minister Dong Jun expected to give keynote speech at country’s largest security conference after missing Shangri-La Dialogue.

China, Vietnam set for first joint army drills, Beijing’s defence ministry says

Military ties have deepened in recent months as the close economic partners seek ways to navigate US tariffs.

Letters | For Hong Kong’s mediation body to be on par with The Hague, more must be done

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s opportunity to cement its international status, the meaning of ‘like-minded’, the city’s long-term fiscal planning, and civil service exams.

US-China trade breakthrough, Quad meeting in Washington and more

This week: US, China announce trade breakthrough and China’s premier opposes protectionism, Texas bans Chinese citizens from buying property. Next week: China reveals June factory activity, foreign ministers of US and key Indo-Pacific allies meet.

China hosts Iran defence minister and others on warship, condemns ‘hegemony’

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh tours Type 052D destroyer Kaifeng, thanks Beijing for ‘supporting Iran’s legitimate position’.

Exclusive | Trump’s China trip may hinge on jet and soybean deals, sources say