China Names New Defense Minister, Removing Block to US Talks

by Bloomberg News

12/29/2023 · 3:30 PM CST

BEIJING, CHINA - MARCH 1: (CHINA OUT) Security guard walk past the Chinese national flag at the Military Museum of Chinese People's Revolution on March 1, 2008 in Beijing, China. From March 1, the Military Museum of Chinese People's Revolution becomes the first national level museum which opens to the public for free in Beijing. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images) Photographer: China Photos/Getty Images

(Bloomberg) -- China named navy veteran Dong Jun as its new defense minister, a move that will help resume top-level military talks with the US that are seen as crucial to steadying ties between the nuclear-armed powers. 

Dong’s appointment was announced by the country’s top legislator on Friday, ending weeks of speculation over who would occupy the role Li Shangfu was ousted from in October, without explanation. China’s new defense minister is the first to come from a naval background.