On Friday, China appointed the Duna Jun, the former head of the Navy, the new Minister of Defense, to replace Lee Shangf, who disappeared from a public review four months ago.
This step will promote the restoration of higher military negotiations with the United States, which are considered decisive to stabilize relations between nuclear states. The high -ranking official from the US Army reported that such negotiations are planned to be restored in January.
Former Defense Minister Lee Shanfe was withdrawn with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin because of sanctions. While Dun Jun, the new minister is not burdened with such restrictions, since sanctions are not subject to it.
Dun Jun is known for its extensive experience in the Navy of China, as well as work in the tense region of the Taiwanese Strait. He was also the deputy commander of the Southern Military Command responsible for the South Chinese Sea, where China has territorial disputes with countries such as Philippines and Vietnam.
This appointment indicates that China has identified the South Chinese Sea as a new key area of geopolitical confrontation with the United States.
Regarding the previous Minister of Defense of China Lee Shanfe, he was last seen in public on August 29, after which he disappeared from public accounting. In September, his dismissal and investigation were known in connection with the purchase of military equipment, in particular, the information appeared in Financial Times and The Washington Post at the reference to the US Government. At the end of October, his removal was confirmed.
