A senior Chinese military official has been dismissed while an investigation into “serious violations of discipline” is underway, according to Beijing’s announcement on Thursday. This marks the latest high-ranking figure to be caught in the country’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the armed forces.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defense, Wu Qian, confirmed that the Communist Party had decided to suspend Admiral Miao Hua from his duties pending investigation. However, he did not elaborate on the specific charges against Miao, who is a member of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and headed its Political Work Department, the military’s key office.
The term “serious violations of discipline” is typically used in China as a code for corruption. Miao, known as a close ally of President Xi Jinping, played a pivotal role in liaising between the military and the Communist Party. He was one of the six members of the CMC, the body that oversees the military, with Xi at its helm.
Over the past year, China has intensified its crackdown on corruption within the armed forces, with Xi urging the military to eliminate graft and enhance its “war-preparedness.” This effort is seen as crucial, with some U.S. officials expressing concerns that corruption within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could undermine China’s readiness for potential future conflicts.
The removal of Miao underscores the persistence of corruption and disciplinary challenges within the PLA, despite Xi’s strong anti-graft efforts.
