Navy ex-chief named China's new defence minister

China named former navy chief Dong Jun as its new defence minister on Friday to replace the last incumbent who disappeared from public view four months ago. The new appointment comes amid increasing Chinese assertiveness towards Taiwan and in the South China Sea. Dong had earlier served as vice-commander of the Southern Theatre Command, which operates in the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China. In a possible sign of a wider purge, nine senior military officials were removed from the country's top legislative body.