BEIJING – Admiral Miao Hua, a senior member of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), has been suspended from his duties and is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” the Ministry of Defence announced on Nov 28. This marks the latest in a series of high-profile anti-corruption actions targeting China’s military leadership.
The specific charges against Adm Miao, who led the CMC’s influential Political Work Department, have not been disclosed. However, the term “serious violations of discipline” is often used in China as a euphemism for corruption.
The investigation into Adm Miao is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign ordered by President Xi Jinping, who has emphasized the need to eliminate graft within the military to bolster its “war-preparedness.” The crackdown has intensified over the past year, with several top military officials removed or investigated.
Adm Miao’s suspension follows the recent dismissal of Defence Minister Li Shangfu, who was expelled from the Communist Party amid bribery allegations. Li’s predecessor, Wei Fenghe, was also ousted and referred to prosecutors for corruption charges.
Speculation about the fate of current Defence Minister Dong Jun was dismissed during the same press briefing, with Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian condemning reports of Dong’s alleged investigation as “pure fabrications” and “slanderous behaviour.”
China’s powerful Rocket Force, which oversees its strategic missile arsenal, has been a key focus of anti-corruption efforts. In July, Sun Jinming, a top official in the Rocket Force, was investigated for graft, signaling heightened scrutiny over this critical military branch.
President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, spanning over a decade, has targeted officials across all levels of government and the military, further consolidating his control over key state institutions.