China Military Official Miao Hua Suspended for Investigation

China Military Official Miao Hua Suspended for Investigation \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Miao Hua, a top official in China’s Central Military Commission, has been suspended and is under investigation for alleged “serious violations of discipline,” often a euphemism for corruption. This marks the latest in a series of purges within China’s military leadership under President Xi Jinping, as part of his ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

Miao Hua’s Investigation: China’s Military in Turmoil – Quick Looks

• Suspension Announced: Miao Hua, head of political work in China’s Central Military Commission, is under investigation.
• Corruption Allegations: The investigation reflects a broader anti-corruption drive targeting high-ranking officials.
• Defense Leadership Overhaul: Follows recent expulsions of former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.
• Xi’s Campaign: Xi Jinping continues his longstanding crackdown on disloyalty and corruption within the military.
• Historical Context: Corruption has deep roots in the PLA, particularly during the economic reforms of the 1990s.
• Official Denials: Despite other reports, China’s Defense Ministry denies current Defense Minister Dong Jun is under investigation.

Deep Look

Miao Hua’s Suspension Highlights Ongoing Upheaval in China’s Military Leadership

Miao Hua, a senior member of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), has been suspended and placed under investigation for alleged “serious violations of discipline,” a term frequently used in Chinese political parlance to denote corruption. The announcement, made by the country’s Defense Ministry on Thursday, marks yet another major shakeup in China’s defense establishment.

The Role of the Central Military Commission

As director of the political work department on the CMC, Miao held significant influence over the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the world’s largest standing military force. The CMC, a powerful body chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping, oversees the PLA and ensures its allegiance to the ruling Communist Party.

Miao was one of five members of the commission apart from Xi. His role as a senior political officer was particularly critical, as he was tasked with maintaining ideological conformity and loyalty among military ranks.

A Pattern of Purges in the Military

This is the third high-profile change within China’s military leadership in recent months. Earlier this year, former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe were expelled from the Communist Party and accused of corruption. Both were prominent figures, underscoring the ongoing fragility within the nation’s military hierarchy.

Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, which began during his first term as party secretary in 2012, has reshaped Chinese politics and the military alike. While publicly framed as a crackdown on graft, critics allege that it doubles as a means to consolidate power and eliminate rivals.

James Char, a researcher at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, noted that such purges are unlikely to harm Xi’s standing. “Most countries would incur at least some reputational cost… but the PRC is no ordinary country,” Char remarked, emphasizing that Xi’s approval is the only determining factor for such actions.

Miao’s Background and Corruption Allegations

Miao Hua’s career trajectory placed him firmly within the PLA’s political apparatus. Before joining the CMC, he served as political commissar of the PLA Navy, a role emphasizing ideological oversight rather than direct combat leadership. He rose to prominence before Xi’s ascension to power in 2012, a period rife with corruption within the military.

In the 1990s, during China’s “reform and opening up” era, the PLA was allowed to operate businesses, creating opportunities for financial misconduct. Analysts, including Tiehlin Yan of the Taiwan Center for Security Studies, believe it is almost inevitable for senior officers from that period to have some questionable dealings.

“If the investigation is about corruption, it’s not out of line with people’s expectations,” Yan explained, noting how entrenched these practices were among midlevel and senior officers during that time.

Contradictory Reports About Defense Minister Dong Jun

The announcement of Miao’s investigation followed a report by the Financial Times alleging that current Defense Minister Dong Jun was also under investigation for corruption. However, Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian categorically denied this, calling the report a “sheer fabrication.”

In a lighthearted moment during a press briefing, Wu dismissed questions about Dong’s status, smiling and shrugging before reiterating: “Minister Dong Jun.”

Xi’s Tightening Grip on the Military

Under Xi Jinping, the PLA has undergone a transformation designed to modernize its capabilities while ensuring loyalty to the Communist Party. High-ranking officers in China hold immense privileges, both official and unofficial, making them prime targets in Xi’s anti-corruption drive.

Xi’s campaign is not solely about rooting out corruption but also about eliminating potential dissent within the military. Observers argue that the purges reflect Xi’s broader strategy to secure his position as the country’s paramount leader, particularly as he extends his unprecedented third term.

Historical Context of Corruption in the PLA

The PLA’s troubled history with corruption dates back decades. During the 1990s, the military was permitted to run businesses as China shifted from a planned economy to market reforms. This policy, while fostering economic growth, also bred corruption within military ranks.

While the PLA formally exited business activities in the late 1990s, the legacy of financial mismanagement lingers, complicating Xi’s efforts to reform the institution.

What’s Next?

Miao Hua’s suspension and investigation signal that Xi’s anti-corruption campaign within the military remains active and far-reaching. While the ultimate outcome of the investigation remains unclear, it reinforces the precarious position of senior officials within China’s tightly controlled political and military system.

As Xi continues to centralize power, further purges may follow, reflecting both the scale of corruption in the PLA and the high stakes of loyalty within the upper echelons of Chinese governance.

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