China has suspended Admiral Miao Hua, a senior official in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), for suspected corruption. Miao, 69, a member of the Central Military Commission (CMC), is under investigation for “serious violations of discipline,” a euphemism for corruption. As head of the CMC’s Political Work Department, Miao was considered a close ally of President Xi Jinping, with ties dating back to the 1990s when both worked in Fujian.
Miao’s suspension comes amid broader efforts by Xi to crack down on corruption within the PLA, particularly targeting the Rocket Force, an elite unit overseeing China’s missile programs. Several high-ranking officers, including former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, have already been purged as part of this anti-corruption campaign.
These moves signal Xi’s commitment to strengthening China’s military while tackling internal corruption. However, experts like Lyle Morris, a foreign policy fellow, argue that corruption is deeply entrenched in the PLA, and it will continue to be a challenge for Xi and his successors.
The suspension of Miao and others underscores the ongoing turmoil in China’s military leadership, even as the country invests heavily in modernizing its armed forces.
