China has suspended high-ranking military official Miao Hua as part of its sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has intensified under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. The Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the suspension of Miao, who served as the director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC), pending investigation for "serious violations of discipline"—a phrase commonly understood as referring to corruption.
Miao Hua, whose suspension marks another milestone in Xi's extensive effort to root out rampant corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA), has been closely associated with Xi throughout his career. The two share ties as Miao served under Xi when the latter was overseeing military affairs in Fujian province during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This makes Miao's inquiry particularly noteworthy, as it raises questions about the depth of corruption entrenched at high levels within the military hierarchy.
The recent developments come just days after unconfirmed reports emerged alleging another senior military official, Defense Minister Dong Jun, was also facing scrutiny over corruption. Spokesperson Wu Qian described these claims as "sheer fabrication" and expressed strong dissatisfaction over what he called slanderous rumors. Nonetheless, the situation highlights precisely how severe the corruption issue has become among senior military officials, with the defense establishment undergoing what some are describing as upheaval.
This purge is not isolated. It follows the expulsions of two prior defense ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, indicating systematic concerns about integrity within the military sector. Last June, both ministers faced allegations of graft and disloyalty to the Party, underscoring the challenges Xi faces as he attempts to strengthen the military and make it more assertive on the geopolitical stage.
Xi's strategy includes transforming the PLA, which is the largest military force globally, with massive investments aimed at modernizing equipment and enhancing operational readiness. Yet, the recurring corruption scandals threaten to undermine these substantial goals.
The Central Military Commission is China's highest military authority, overseeing the PLA, and Miao had significant influence as one of its key figures responsible for enforcing party discipline across the military. Analysts predict Miao's case is more significant than others due to his position—a notion echoed by Drew Thompson, a former U.S. Defense Department official who noted the stakes are higher as Miao could be seen as governing the party’s political culture within the military.
China's anti-corruption campaign, initiated by Xi shortly after coming to power over ten years ago, has targeted various sectors, but the military has particularly faced scrutiny as it is viewed as traditionally vulnerable. The campaign's visibility has increased since it escalated against military officials, and nearly 20 notable military and defense industry officials have been dismissed since the start of 2023 alone.
Xi’s desire to reform the military is also intertwined with China’s increasing ambitions to assert its claims over regional territories, which have raised eyebrows not only internally but also externally, particularly with tensions surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea. The latest development could ripple within military ranks, possibly affecting morale, as trust erodes amid corruption allegations.
Miao Hua’s suspension sends reverberations beyond just military circles, hinting at the broader political dynamics within China's ruling Communist Party. Analysts point out how entrenched networks within the military and the party might combat Xi's reforms, raising concerns about possible pushback as Xi reinforces his hold over the military.
The suspensions and investigations reflect how the intertwining of power and the military continues to be precarious under Xi, who pursues both stronger control domestically and increased clout internationally, leaving many to question whether his efforts to cleanse corruption will yield long-term results without unintended consequences. With prior ministers expunged from the Party for corruption, the public's expectation for accountability remains high, yet the process itself could reveal underlying tensions within the military establishment.
While there is no official confirmation yet on Dong Jun's status, should these allegations against him or any additional leaders within the military be substantiated, it would imply Xi’s focus on anti-corruption is only beginning and could lead to even more significant developments within the PLA.
This situation remains fluid and will be closely watched, both for its potential impact on military operations and broader governance issues as the Party strives to maintain stability and trust among its ranks.
