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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

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun and his Russian counterpart Andrei Belousov inspect an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony in Beijing in October 2024. Photo: EPA-EFE

China-Russia relations

China and Russia to bolster defence ties to counter risks

Call marks first ministerial-level exchange between Beijing and Moscow since US raid on Venezuela and Trump’s stronger words on Greenland.

27 Jan 2026 - 10:47PMvideocam

US-China relations

Senior US and Chinese defence officials continue ‘military-to-military’ dialogue

18 Dec 2025 - 1:00AM

Taiwan

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

13 Nov 2025 - 8:00PM

China-South Korea relations

US-China rivalry leaves Asia walking G2 tightrope

South Korea and Japan both tried to balance relations with the US and China during Apec week, reflecting increasing complexity in Asia-Pacific diplomacy.

3 Nov 2025 - 5:00PM

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Photo: Yonhap via AP

US-China relations

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

US and China agree to ‘set up military-to-military channels to deconflict and de-escalate any problems that arise’, Hegseth says in post.

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

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 Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth met Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus. Photo: X/Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

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

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

Security Council members vote on a resolution to delay by six months the reimposition of sanctions on Iran, at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York on Friday. Photo: Reuters

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 congressman Adam Smith shakes hands with Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun as he leads a bipartisan group of US lawmakers for a meeting at the defence ministry in Beijing on Monday. Photo: AP

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

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

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

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, US President Donald Trump and Melania Trump. (Photo: Pool via Reuters)

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

Chinese and Philippine vessels have had frequent run-ins in the South China Sea in recent years. Photo: X/Armed Forces of the Philippines

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

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

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

Calls by Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun to resist hegemonism and protectionism appeared to resonate with defence chiefs from Southeast Asia, as they took turns criticising unilateral actions, including US tariffs. Photo: Reuters

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

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

Singaporean Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing meets Central Military Commission vice-chairman General Zhang Youxia at the Bayi Building in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

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

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump shake hands in 2017 during a meeting outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Negotiations aimed at confirming a state visit to China by Trump appeared to be at a “very advanced stage”, a source has told the Post. Photo: TNS

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

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

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

Trade talks would be a key part of any summit the presidents of the US and China. Photo: AP

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

The Xiangshan Forum is regarded as Beijing’s answer to the Shangri-La Dialogue hosted by Singapore. Photo: AP

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

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

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Dong Jun

China and Russia to bolster defence ties to counter risks

Call marks first ministerial-level exchange between Beijing and Moscow since US raid on Venezuela and Trump’s stronger words on Greenland.

Senior US and Chinese defence officials continue ‘military-to-military’ dialogue

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

US-China rivalry leaves Asia walking G2 tightrope

South Korea and Japan both tried to balance relations with the US and China during Apec week, reflecting increasing complexity in Asia-Pacific diplomacy.

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

US and China agree to ‘set up military-to-military channels to deconflict and de-escalate any problems that arise’, Hegseth says in post.

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.

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