Chinese Military Official Miao Hua Investigated for Serious Violations of Discipline Amid Ongoing Purges

China's Defence Ministry has announced the suspension of Miao Hua, a senior military official, amid an investigation. Miao serves as the director of the Political Work Department on the Central Military Commission, which oversees the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This commission is led by China's leader, Xi Jinping, and includes five members. The investigation into Miao is for "serious violations of discipline," a term often linked to corruption.

The suspension of Miao Hua marks the third significant upheaval in China's defence sector recently. In June, former Defence Minister Li Shangfu and his predecessor Wei Fenghe faced similar accusations of corruption. Both were expelled from the Communist Party after being investigated for corruption and bribery. Despite these high-profile investigations, Xi Jinping's strong control over power suggests limited impact on his leadership.

Corruption Allegations in China's Military

Miao's investigation follows reports from the Financial Times about Defence Minister Dong Jun facing corruption allegations. However, Defence Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian dismissed these claims as "sheer fabrication." Wu emphasised that Dong was not under investigation and questioned the validity of such reports.

James Char, a research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, commented on China's unique position regarding these purges. He noted that while other countries might suffer reputational damage from frequent personnel changes in their armed forces, China remains unaffected due to its distinct governance structure. "These purges can go on so long as its commander-in-chief approves of them," Char stated.

Historical Context and Xi's Anti-Corruption Campaign

Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has been a defining aspect of his leadership since his first term as Party Secretary. This campaign has targeted numerous high-profile political figures and thousands of officials, leading to allegations of purging those deemed disloyal or conspiring with external forces. High-ranking officers in China enjoy significant privileges, both official and unofficial.

The PLA's history with corruption dates back to the 1990s when it was allowed to engage in business activities during China's "reform and opening up" period. This era marked a shift from planned economic policies to a market-based economy. Tiehlin Yan, deputy director at the Taiwan Center for Security Studies, remarked on the difficulty for mid-level or senior cadres from that time to remain unblemished.

Miao Hua's career trajectory saw him rise through the military's political department, eventually serving as the political commissar of the PLA Navy. His seniority was established before Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012. Experts believe that given the PLA's history, a corruption investigation involving Miao would not be unexpected.

Despite ongoing investigations within China's military ranks, Xi Jinping's anti-corruption efforts continue unabated. The focus remains on maintaining loyalty and integrity within the ranks while addressing any potential misconduct or disloyalty among high-ranking officials.