Dong Junzhen's Absence From Four Major Events Fuels Rumours

The new Defence Minister, Dong Jun, may add new drama to the 46th image (prophecy) of the Tui Bei Tu. (Truth of the People provided the report.)

[People News] The People's Liberation Army has been actively engaging in cognitive warfare aimed at young military personnel from various countries, attempting to influence the thoughts and perspectives of the next generation.

At the invitation of the Ministry of National Defence of the Communist Party of China, from November 2 to 7, nearly 90 military attachés from over 50 countries visited Guizhou and Sichuan. The Ministry stated that this initiative was "to help them understand the military districts of Guizhou and Sichuan Province as well as the local economic and social development situation," and to "experience the spirit of the great Long March." Additionally, the Ministry invited a delegation of nearly 50 young and middle-aged military officers from more than 20 African countries to visit and exchange ideas in Changsha, Chengdu, and other locations from November 5 to 11. The Ministry emphasised that this effort "aims to deepen practical cooperation and contribute to building a new era of all-weather China-Africa community of shared destiny."

In a significant announcement at a routine press conference held by the Ministry of National Defence of the Communist Party of China at the end of October, spokesperson Colonel Zhang Xiaogang revealed that from November 2 to 8, the fifth China (Communist Party of China) - ASEAN Young Officers Friendly Exchange Activity will be conducted in Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Kunshan. This event aims to enhance mutual understanding and friendship among young officers from China and ASEAN through thematic seminars, interactive exchanges, and educational visits. Additionally, from November 2 to 6, the 13th Army International Cadet Week and the 'Future·Joint Creation' International Military Academy Cadets Military Innovation Competition will take place at the Army Engineering University. Cadets from 11 military academies across 11 countries, including South Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, and Egypt, will participate alongside cadets from 15 military academies of the Communist Party of China. This initiative aims to foster academic exchanges, consolidate cooperative consensus, and provide insights into China's (Communist Party of China) advancements in high-tech development.

Engaging the thoughts of the next generation of youth abroad is expected to be a key aspect of the Communist Party's future comprehensive warfare strategy. This aligns with Xi Jinping's statement on September 24 at the White House, where he mentioned that 'in the next five years, China (the Communist Party) will invite 100,000 American teenagers to come to China for exchanges and learning.' Xi emphasised: 'China-U.S. relations... will be shaped by the youth in the future.'

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has found success in its brainwashing initiatives within domestic kindergartens. Logically, the CCP has prioritised uniting young people globally, particularly military personnel, as part of its vision for future global dominance. The Ministry of National Defence has extended numerous significant invitations to young military personnel from various countries for visits, competitions, and exchanges. Defence Minister Dong Jun has typically delivered remarks expressing 'hope for the future' at the start or conclusion of these events, even if only at the most important one, but this has not occurred.

What has happened to Dong Jun?

Dong Jun's recent disappearance has drawn considerable attention, as he vanished just a few days ago.

On November 3, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Beijing, and the CCP unexpectedly sent Vice Chairman of the Military Commission Zhang Shengmin to meet him. Defence Minister Dong Jun did not adhere to the customary protocol of attending the meeting the day before, which is clearly an unusual arrangement that violates the principle of equality and could even be seen as a disgrace.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Dong Jun was taken away over a month ago, and now, increasing signs seem to lend credibility to these rumours.

The expanded ASEAN Defence Ministers' meeting is scheduled to take place in the Philippines at the end of October 2026, and Dong Jun did not attend. Instead, the Chinese delegation was represented by the defence attaché from the embassy in the Philippines. Initially, this summit was viewed as a rare opportunity for Japanese and Chinese defence officials to meet. The Japanese side had expressed anticipation of meeting with Dong Jun prior to the event. Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi (岸信夫) remarked that he had discussions with Minister Dong Jun at last year's ASEAN summit, stating, 'If Minister Dong Jun truly attends, I intend to engage in candid discussions with him on various issues and concerns.' However, the CCP has let Japan down.

On October 29, during a routine press conference held by the Ministry of National Defence of the Communist Party of China, a reporter inquired about the reason for Dong Jun's absence from the expanded ASEAN Defence Ministers' meeting. Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang responded with an irrelevant accusation, claiming that 'the Philippine side allows certain politicians to act recklessly, which goes against the open and inclusive spirit of the expanded ASEAN Defence Ministers' meeting...' Such nonsensical statements framed the People's Liberation Army as the wronged party, implying there were unspoken difficulties.

On November 3, former Shanghai entrepreneur and commentator Hu Liren shared on social media that he had made inquiries with various sources in Beijing. According to insiders, Dong Jun was taken away from his home about a month ago, indicating he is cooperating with an investigation. He noted that some military personnel in Beijing have revealed that Dong Jun has been unreachable. 'Dong Jun has not been seen in his office for several weeks, and no one dares to ask about him.'

Since Dong Jun assumed the role of Minister of National Defence, he has not been promoted to a member of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China or a State Councillor, making him the lowest-ranking Minister of National Defence since the establishment of the Communist Party.

Rumours regarding Dong Jun's troubles had been circulating for two years. The British Financial Times reported on November 27, 2024, that current and former U.S. officials indicated that Chinese authorities are investigating Minister of National Defence Dong Jun. However, at the routine press conference the following day, the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence denied this allegation.

There appears to be a growing consensus among observers that Dong Jun is on the verge of a crisis. This speculation has intensified recently. As we approach November 2026, one would expect that with the Ministry of Defence inviting numerous foreign youths to participate in various activities, Dong Jun would seize the opportunity to clarify and dispel any rumours. However, he has not done so. This behaviour contradicts the Chinese Communist Party's typical response to rumours concerning high-ranking officials who remain in power. Isn't that peculiar?

(First published by People News)△