Admiral and Key Member of the Central Military Commission Suspended for Alleged Misconduct
A high-ranking Chinese military official, Admiral Miao Hua, has been suspended from his duties for “serious violations of discipline,” marking the latest development in President Xi Jinping’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign within the country’s armed forces. The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Thursday (Nov 28) that Miao, a member of the influential Central Military Commission (CMC), is under investigation, although the specific charges against him have not been disclosed.
The term “serious violations of discipline” is typically used by Chinese officials as a euphemism for corruption, and it has become a recurring phrase in the country’s efforts to root out graft within both the military and government. Miao, who led the Central Military Commission’s Political Work Department, has been described as a trusted ally of Xi and a crucial liaison between the Communist Party and the military. His position on the CMC placed him alongside some of China’s top leaders, including Xi himself.
This investigation is part of a broader and intensifying anti-corruption campaign that has targeted multiple high-ranking officials in recent years. Xi’s administration has emphasised the importance of cleaning up corruption within the military, citing concerns that such misconduct could undermine China’s defence capabilities and readiness for future conflicts. A recent Bloomberg report noted that the push for reform within the armed forces is partly driven by fears that corruption could weaken China’s military strength in the event of war.
Experts suggest that Miao’s suspension aligns with Xi’s greater efforts to tighten oversight and discipline within the military. Chong Ja Ian, a political science professor at the National University of Singapore, noted that the investigation reflects Xi’s increasing scrutiny of the armed forces. However, Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University, argued that Miao’s removal highlights the enduring nature of corruption within the military, despite the strong efforts to combat it.
This development underscores the ongoing tension between Xi’s anti-corruption drive and the challenges in rooting out deep-seated issues within China’s powerful military establishment.
