A senior member of China’s military elite, Admiral Miao Hua, has been suspended from office amid an investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” according to a recent announcement from the Chinese government. This development follows the earlier denunciation of two former defense ministers for corruption and disloyalty to the Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping.
The Ministry of National Defense's spokesman, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, disclosed the investigation during a news briefing in Beijing. The term “serious violations of discipline” often indicates corruption, but may also encompass other forms of misconduct, including political disloyalty.
Since 2017, Admiral Miao has been a member of the Central Military Commission, which oversees the People’s Liberation Army (P.L.A.), and has served as the director of the Political Work Department, responsible for enforcing party discipline within the military.
Drew Thompson, a former U.S. Defense Department official, emphasized the significance of Admiral Miao's position, noting that his role as the head of the political office within the military is more critical than that of the defense minister, who does not command troops or manage budgets. Thompson remarked that while previous purges of defense ministers did not significantly impact the P.L.A., Miao’s case could have serious implications for military morale.
Corruption within China's military remains a pressing concern for Xi Jinping, who has prioritized purging the P.L.A. since assuming leadership in 2012. Numerous senior officers have faced convictions for various corrupt practices, including illicit sales of military property and bribery related to promotions.
This year, Xi has intensified calls for loyalty among military leaders following a series of scandals, including the abrupt replacement of commanders within the P.L.A. Rocket Force and the dismissal of former defense minister Gen. Li Shangfu.
Ou Si-fu, a research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei, suggested that the investigation into Admiral Miao may signal a broader inquiry involving other officers associated with him. Despite Xi's efforts to combat corruption, the substantial funding allocated to the military continues to present opportunities for illicit activities, particularly in logistics and armaments.
Admiral Miao, who is set to turn 69 this month, has had a notable career, rising from a political officer to the chief political commissar of the military. This role is crucial for maintaining loyalty to the Communist Party and has significant influence over promotions within the military.
In a recent meeting with senior military leaders, Xi reiterated the importance of loyalty to the party and the need to eliminate corrupt elements within the armed forces, emphasizing that the military must remain under the control of reliable and loyal individuals.