China has made headlines once again as it suspends one of its high-ranking military officials amid what has become a sweeping anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by President Xi Jinping. The latest casualty is Admiral Miao Hua, who has been placed under investigation for severe violations of discipline, which many see as code for corruption. This announcement, officially confirmed by the Ministry of Defense, marks another moment of instability within the upper echelons of China's military leadership.
Miao Hua, currently serving as the director of the Political Work Department under the Central Military Commission (CMC), is one of the five key figures overseeing the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the largest standing military force in the world. Overseeing the work of political officers and personnel, Miao has held significant sway within the military, and his suspension has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian elaborated on the situation during a press briefing, stating, "Miao is currently under investigation due to serious violations of discipline," hinting at deep-rooted issues within the military establishment. This sudden investigation is emblematic of broader attempts within Xi's government to cleanse the ranks of the PLA amid increasing allegations of corruption.
What’s noteworthy is this is not the first high-profile suspension under Xi's watch. Earlier this year, former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor, Wei Fenghe, were expelled from the Communist Party for similar allegations and are currently under investigation for corruption. The frequency of these shake-ups raises questions about the integrity of China’s military hierarchy and the systemic issues it faces.
Experts point out the unusual nature of such purges, especially when compared to military structures elsewhere around the world. According to James Char, a research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, “Most countries would incur at least some reputational cost to their international reputation were such frequent, high-profile personnel purges to happen within their armed forces,” highlighting how China operates under different norms.
Miao's suspension follows closely on the heels of reports from the Financial Times, which suggested Defense Minister Dong Jun was also under investigation for corruption. Wu Qian was quick to dismiss these claims as “sheer fabrication,” promoting the narrative of stability within the leadership, though skepticism remains high since Dong’s recent actions, such as abstaining from meetings with foreign military partners, have drawn scrutiny.
The origins of Miao's ascent within the military’s political ranks can be traced back to his early career. Rising through the ranks as political commissar of the PLA Navy, he gained prominence during Xi’s time as the local official in Fujian Province. Miao's connections to Xi are considered significant, as maintaining loyalty among military leaders is central to Xi's continued consolidation of power against real or perceived threats.
This clandestine yet open approach to addressing corruption reflects the PLA's complex history with graft. Back in the 1990s, the military was allowed to operate businesses as part of China's economic reform, which opened the floodgates for questionable practices and conflicts of interest. Today, allegations of corruption are not merely surprising, but are viewed as almost routine for higher-ranking officers, especially those who served during China's relative economic liberalization.
With Xi Jinping's long-standing commitment to anti-corruption measures, the political machinations are coming under increasing scrutiny. Xi has systematically targeted military officials, utilizing anti-corruption as both a governance tool and to secure his grip over the military, restricting the power of those who might challenge his authority.
According to Tiehlin Yan, deputy director at the Taiwan Center for Security Studies, “If the investigation is about corruption, it’s not out of line with people’s expectations.” This echoes the sentiment among those watching closely as to whether these purges reflect genuine attempts at reform or are merely means to eliminate potential rivals.
The investigations and subsequent suspensions serve dual purposes. Not only do they aim to root out corruption, which Xi has cited as detrimental to the modernization of the PLA, but they also help eliminate rivals. The narrative promotes the image of Xi as both a leader concerned about the integrity of his military and as the ultimate authority who is unafraid to cast aside those who no longer serve his agenda.
Currently, the PLA finds itself undergoing significant changes, with the emphasis on transforming the military from primarily being viewed as a political tool to becoming more combat-ready and aggressive on the international stage. China has invested billions of dollars to upgrade its military capabilities, showing intent to turn the PLA not only loyal but also proficient and formidable.
This shift within the PLA is apparent through the stripping of public roles from numerous high-level military officers since Xi's tenure began. Analysts are closely watching the dynamics, noting how closely Miao’s relationships intertwined with the fate of other officials can influence the development and strategic direction of China’s military for years to come.
What does this mean for the future of China's military? While Xi continues to portray strength through these purges, analysts remind us of the persistent issues of corruption likely to outlast any specific probe or campaign. The systemic nature of corruption indicates this saga is far from over. Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute succinctly puts it: “Corruption in China’s military is not just about ‘a few bad apples’ but symbolizes entrenched patterns within the organization.”
With the weight of history, relationships, and political maneuvering hanging over the military, the future direction, capabilities, and loyalty of the PLA remain as uncertain as ever, particularly amid speculations on Xi's long-term plans for both the military and his presidency.
