China on Friday named former naval commander General Dong Jun as the new Chinese Defence Minister, two months after the dismissal of Li Shangfu without any explanation. Dong is considered to be a close confidante of President Xi Jinping and was promoted to the rank of general in 2021, making him one of the highest-ranking officers in active service.China on Friday named former naval commander General Dong Jun as the new Chinese Defence Minister, two months after the dismissal of Li Shangfu without any explanation. Dong is considered to be a close confidante of President Xi Jinping and was promoted to the rank of general in 2021, making him one of the highest-ranking officers in active service.