News analysis Latest graft probe on China defence minister a blow to engagement

But analysts say the military's fighting capability will not be critically impacted

- Yew Lun Tian

Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun is reportedly being investigated, making him the latest target in a sweeping crackdown on corruption within the world's largest military.

Admiral Dong, who started the job just 11 months ago, would be the third consecutive defence minister to fall foul of the law in less than two years, should a Nov 27 Financial Times (FT) report prove accurate.

Analysts say this latest wave of investigations will likely cause reputational damage and disruption to foreign engagement, given that the Defence Minister is the international face of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

"The PLA is a very credible military force, but it is unable to credibly engage counterparts due to the political purges of senior leaders in both civilian and military roles," said Mr Drew Thompson, an expert on the Chinese military and a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

This is "creating a tense atmosphere in Beijing, where officials are unwilling to risk substantive discussions with foreign counterparts", he added.