China signals maritime ambitions with first defence minister from navy

China’s appointment for the first time of a naval officer

as its defence minister

is a signal that President Xi Jinping is serious about his 2017 pledge to turn a traditional land power into a maritime one.

But the promotion of Admiral Dong Jun, 62, from navy commander on Dec 29 is also a hint that China is gearing up for a possible showdown with the United States over Taiwan and in the South China Sea, with his experience having been in these regions.