"China Names Ex-Navy Chief Dong Jun as New Defense Minister Amid Military Modernization Push"

China has appointed Adm. Dong Jun as its new defense minister, succeeding Gen. Li Shangfu, whose disappearance and removal from the post had caused uncertainty within the military's high ranks. Adm. Dong's promotion, approved by lawmakers and finalized by Communist Party leader Xi Jinping, is expected to stabilize the situation. Although the defense minister role in China is not a top military decision-making position, it is significant for foreign military liaison. Adm. Dong, with experience in the South China Sea, may soon be promoted to the Central Military Commission and will play a key role in military talks with the U.S., especially regarding tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.