"China's Defense Shakeup: Military Purge Signals Broad Changes Under Xi"

China's President Xi Jinping continues his crackdown on corruption within the military by appointing a new defense minister, Admiral Dong Jun, and dismissing several high-ranking officers. This move is part of Xi's effort to transform the People’s Liberation Army into a world-class military force. The defense minister role in China is largely ceremonial, with strategic decisions made by the Central Military Commission, chaired by Xi. Despite the reshuffle, China's military strategy, particularly its focus on maritime power and the South China Sea, is expected to remain consistent. Relations with the United States are anticipated to continue their current trajectory, with recent dialogues unlikely to alter the fundamental dynamics of competition, especially in contested maritime regions.