China names new defence minister

China yesterday named former navy commander Dong Jun as its new defence minister, state media said, filling a vacancy created by the surprise removal of Li Shangfu in October.

Dong was appointed at a meeting of standing committee of China's National People's Congress, Xinhua said.

Beijing has not given an official reason for Li's removal. Li's removal was one of a series of high-level demotions in the military establishment.

Three executives at leading Chinese missile defence firms were removed from Beijing's top political advisory committee this week, according to state media.